CHRISTMAS is coming early at a Bolton tree seller’s as lockdown families clamour to enjoy the festive spirit at home.

Bereft of parties and outings this year due to the coronavirus crisis Paul Haley, who runs Paul Haley Christmas Trees on Bradshaw Road, says more people than ever are wanting a real tree and are asking to buy them earlier than ever.

Usually the trees go on sale from the last weekend in November, transported down to Bolton from the company’s land in Scotland, were they are grown.

But so many people have been phoning asking to buy one now that extra staff were brought in to start selling this weekend, with advice to customers keep them outdoors until nearer the big day.

“Everybody seems desperate to get a tree, “ said Mr Haley. “They are getting them to keep the kids happy — to give a feeling of Christmas rather the the feeling of doom and gloom.”

Mr Haley sells thousands of trees wholesale and around 2,000 trees direct to the public each year and believes even people who normally have an artificial tree will turn to the real thing this year as Christmas has to be focused on the home.

Social distancing and other measures are being put in place at the Bradshaw Road site for when the public visits to choose their tree but Mr Haley is disappointed that, unlike previous years, restrictions mean he cannot serve mince pies and coffee to customers.

“We apologise for that,” he said.

Across the borough, many people have already put up their decorations, including Gary and Helen May.

The pair have decked out their Harwood home, creating a festive winter scene in their front garden.

A number of other households have put up their Christmas decorations – an activity which is usually reserved until December 1.

Caroline Ashkboos and her five-year-old son Josh set up their tree, dressed as one of Santa's elves.