EASTER EGGS are being sold in Bolton shops only days after Christmas.

On Sunday evening, chocolate Easter eggs were spotted on the shelves at the Co-op in Bromley Cross, well within the 12 days of Christmas window.

Only five days after the big Christmas dinner and 112 days until Easter Sunday, the products were found in the clearance section of the store, with some being sold for as little as 70p.

Easter Sunday is on April 21 this year, but leading brands including Cadbury and Nestlé are bringing the Easter 2019 confections out early.

Mini Eggs made a return to the shop, along with larger eggs of the Maltesers, Smarties, Creme Egg and Kit Kat varieties.

The Co-op defended the decision to supply the eggs.

A spokesman for the Co-op said: "As Christmas products sell out and shelves become empty, some Easter products will appear in-store.

"Sales figures also show that many customers will buy chocolate eggs as soon as they can and we believe it's right to offer our shoppers choice.”

Eggs have been sighted across the country as early as December 27 in a number of major high street chains, including Sainsbury's and WH Smith.

When pictures surfaced online of the egg displays, customers voiced their anger about the Easter products being sold so soon.

London-based Anglican priest Lindsay Meader said: "It happens every year.

"3 days into the 12 days of Christmas, while Jesus is still in the manger and long before the magi reach the stable, and the Easter eggs are on the shelves.

"Ridiculous."