CHRISTMAS has arrived early at one Bolton home - with more than two months to go until the festive season.

Decorations already adorn Florence and Ken Jones' house, in Lever Edge Lane, Bolton, even though there are 10 weeks until the big day.

Motorists have been slowing down to look at the decorations since they appeared on Monday.

Mrs Jones, aged 66, decided to put up the decorations earlier than normal because last year her husband spent Christmas in hospital.

Mr Jones, aged 74, is suffering from a terminal illness - and was disappointed that he did not see the decorations at home last year.

There are lights on the outside of the house, a Christmas tree in the front window and a dozen Santa figures of various sizes in the lounge.

Mrs Jones said: "Last year, I nearly lost Ken and he was very ill in hospital over Christmas. It was amazing that he pulled through.

"He enjoys spending Christmas with the family, we have 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and it will be a nice surprise for them when they next come round."

Mrs Jones spent hours on Sunday sorting out the decorations and put them up on Monday.

She admitted she was usually one of the first in the street to bring out the tinsel in tribute to her daughter, Beverley Plimley, who died from cancer three years ago on November 11, aged 42.

Mrs Jones said: "She loved Christmas so I usually put up the decorations on that day in memory of her."

A neighbour said: "It's like a Santa's grotto, a real winter wonderland.

"I couldn't believe it when we saw a ladder going up, and we thought surely it can't be Christmas decorations already'.

"But they look nice and it won't be long before others follow suit."