A photo printing shop is already making plans for Christmas - in 30 degree heat, in August.

Snappy Snaps is the first store in Maidstone this year to proudly unveil a window display to celebrate the festive season.

Despite the soaring temperatures in recent days, staff have already started laying snow, decorating its tree and digging out an animated Santa Claus at its store on Gabriel's Hill.

The shop is currently offering keen festive shoppers three-for-two on personalised photo gifts such as mugs, keyrings and jigsaw puzzles to help bring an early bit of Christmas cheer to the County Town.

Shop owner Tina Humphreys said: “We decided to bring Christmas forward a few months into summer and reward any early birds with a special offer.

"I'd celebrate Christmas every day if I could - it just makes coming to work so much fun."

Preparing early seems to be a recurring theme, as The Village Hotel in Sandling held its Yule Fest on August 18 last year, offering a hog roast and food and drink samples.

Staff said that festive bookings are increasingly being made almost a year in advance.