FAMILIES formed massive queues to meet Father Christmas today despite the festive season still being months away - with one garden centre forced to build metal barriers.

       Christmas came early for hundreds of keen customers at a garden centre near Hull on Saturday as families lined up to meet the main man himself.

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       Customers were seen forming an orderly queue behind metal barriers at Brigg Garden Centre Credit: MEN Media 3

       The popular garden centre is open for 12 hours today Credit: MEN Media 3

       People queued to buy trees, lights and gifts Credit: MEN Media

       People filled up their trollies with Christmas trees, lights, gifts and even Santa-inspired crockery baskets as staff at Brigg Garden Centre flung open the doors to this year's winter wonderland.

       Customers were seen forming an orderly queue behind metal barriers from one end of the store to another.

       The popular garden centre is open for 12 hours today, with one member of staff reporting the car park was "packed" from 8am, Hull Live reports.

       Customers can explore the "must-see" Christmas displays until 8pm - and there's even 20 per cent off all decorations.

       To mark the opening of the winter wonderland, Santa Claus and Mrs Claus have been walking around the store greeting excited children and handing out sweets.

       There was also a performer singing Christmas songs.

       And customers can now enjoy seasonal treats in the restaurant at the garden centre.

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       Organiser Amy Stubbs said: "We are all so excited for this festive season.

       "Christmas is our favourite time of year here in Brigg Garden Centre - it is a truly spectacular experience and you don't want to miss it."

       Savvy shoppers have already been spotting Christmas advent calendars for sale as they prepare their purses for the expensive festive season.

       And one mum-of-two said she has bought all her presents for the big day already.

       Sarah Andrews started doing her festive shopping ahead of time because she was worried about shortages and the lorry driver crisis ruining Christmas.

       Last year, 34-year-old Sarah finished all her Christmas shopping in November. This year she got started even earlier and was all wrapped up in September.

       She said: "I do it so early because I like to know I’ve got everything I need.

       "This year I didn’t want to get caught out by any shortages or if there is another winter lockdown."

       And she's not alone, shoppers have been warned to buy Christmas presents early due to a predicted toy shortage which could be sparked by the supply chain crisis.

       Brits are expected to spend 21 per cent more this year to make up for last Christmas, according to MoneySupermarket.

       Tesco warns shortages will lead to panic buying at Christmas if supply crisis isn’t solved