Christmas is still 119 days away -- but the festive season has already arrived at one supermarket.

Bemused shoppers at Blackburn town centre Morrison's store broke off from preparing for their holidays or comparing their tans as staff began unpacking cards, baubles, tinsel, festive train sets and even plastic Christmas trees.

But general manager Steve Leigh insisted the store was just clearing out warehouses from Safeway, now part of Morrison's, and it was not the start of its festive display. The sight in the clearance department got a mixed reaction from customers.

Barbara Unsworth, of Summerton Walk, Darwen, said it would help take the stress out of Christmas -- but was not buying because she had stocked up for this year in the January sales.

Mrs Unsworth said: "It's good if you're looking for a bargain.

"I always get mine done early. I get my Christmas cards and presents for the grandchildren in January and then shop for the rest of the family in September so there's no hassle at Christmas. Then I can relax and don't have to rush around with the crowds."

But others were not so impressed.

Lela White, Julie Shaw and Maisie Glynn were visiting from Rochdale and complained it took the 'excitement' out of the festivities.

Mrs Shaw said: "I hate it. It makes it linger on. I couldn't believe it when I saw the display."

Eight-year-old Maisie said: "When you get to Christmas it feels like it's all been done."

Mr Leigh said Blackburn was one of three stores clearing stock left over in Safeway warehouses.

He said: "We've been doing it for about three months and now we've got down to the bottom which is the Christmas stock.

"We've got to clear theirs out before we can bring our Christmas stock in. We've got a range coming out in the future but we don't know the dates yet.

"It's purely a clearance thing."