CHRISTMAS has already arrived at one North-East pub.

Regulars at The Hill Top, in Stanley, County Durham, are already feeling festive with the presence of a Christmas tree near the bar.

It's part of the pub’s early drive to encourage customers to book a Christmas dinner.

However, the tree did raise a few eyebrows with drinkers when it was first put up and decorated with baubles, tinsel and fairy lights – on August 15.

Assistant manager Mandy Cowell said: “It was the middle of summer and we did get mixed vibes from people, but at the same time we have got a lot of Christmas bookings.

“Some people are like: ‘Are you for real? It is only summer.’

“There have been some mixed responses on Facebook with people saying they are not happy with the tree being up, but then we get families in and the kids love it.

"At the start some are a bit shocked.”

Father Gary Nicholson, from St James’ Church, in Coundon, who visited the pub for lunch a few weeks ago, posted a message on Facebook.

He wrote: “Expressing my dismay the bar staff informed me they (the decorations) will be staying up now until after New Year 2018.

“The commercial world is truly determined to hijack the religious season and I can’t help thinking that somehow we’re to blame.”

The Christmas Day offer includes three courses, including turkey with the trimmings, for £44.99 per person.

Miss Cowell added: “It was once traditional to stay at home but now more people are thinking they should go out so everyone can enjoy it and not just the person who has to do all of the cooking.”