TEMPERATURES are in the 80s, the school summer holidays are in full swing, and it's 19 weeks until Santa is due to pay a visit to all good boys and girls.

Shoppers are more likely to be thinking about swimming costumes and suntan lotion than wrapping paper and tinsel.

But one Hampshire store believes it is never too early to prepare for the festive season.

Staff have decked out the window with a Christmas tree, twinkling fairy lights and wrapped presents.

Bosses at Fareham Toys and Hobbies say that with no fewer than 135 shopping days until Christmas (including Sundays) to go people really do want to start making plans for Christmas.

However, some shoppers have been surprised by what must be one of the earliest festive window displays in Britain. Decked with red, gold and green decorations, it advertises the West Street shop's Christmas Toy Club.

Retail manager Clive Mortimer says people are grateful for the scheme because it allows them to spread costs.

He said: "With 19 weeks until Christmas we find that the customers like to spread the cost of their Christmas presents over a period of time rather than having to rush around and get everything at once."

Fareham town centre manager George Cantrill agreed that it made good business sense.