IT may still be September but that didn’t stop hundreds of shoppers getting firmly into the spirit of Christmas.

Visitors to Botany Bay got wrapped up in the Yuletide spirit as the Chorley centre launched its festive shop on Saturday.

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The event was officially declared open when Botany Bay’s family of festive characters made their grand entrance in to the event by canal.

The family fun continued throughout the day with penguin displays and educational talks, free face painting, free mince pies and mulled wine, and family Christmas parties hosted by award-winning children’s entertainer Mr Yipadee, featuring characters from Disney’s Frozen.

Michelle Scott, Botany Bay’s marketing manager, said: “Christmas always comes early to Botany Bay. Our team has been working flat out since July to create our Christmas shop, which is renowned for its stunning displays.

“The team have excelled themselves this year with some breathtaking collections that really will inspire some stylish Christmas trees across the North West.”

Staff at the centre have gone to town on its festive shop, creating six themed areas - Candy Cane Lane, Christmas Close, Twenty Fifth Avenue, Sugar Plum Trail, Woodland Way and Wintery Walks.

Botany Bay’s Christmas shop also had a huge display of different styles of artificial Christmas trees.

Amanda Iddon, Botany Bay’s retail buyer, said: “Last year’s Christmas shop was a huge success and our stock sold out quickly.

“We think we’ve gone one better this year, with some really unique pieces and some crowd pleasers too. We’ve bought plenty of stock and are ready for the crowds.

“We’ve taken care to include decorations of the highest quality. And with a range of price tags that suit most pockets, our Christmas shop offers exceptional value for money.”

And the people at Botany Bay are not the only ones thinking ahead to December. Shops and supermarkets across East Lancashire already stocking Christmas cards and gifts.