First Christmas tree is spotted...with 75 shopping days still to go
IT may only be October and the autumn celebrations of Halloween and Bonfire Night have not yet passed but that hasn't stopped one hotel trimming up the tinsel.
St George's Hotel in Harrogate is believed to be the first venue in the country to have put up a Christmas tree 76 days ahead of the big day.
The 6ft artificial spruce was yesterday on display in a bay window at the front of the three star hotel in the upmarket Spa town - much to the bemusement of passers-by.
It was spotted earlier this week by passing businessman Richard Chew who was astonished at the unseasonal celebration.
He said: "I was completely staggered to see a Christmas tree put up so early, what on earth are they thinking about.
"It looks completely ridiculous, especially as it is a smart hotel opposite the town's conference centre.
"This hotel is not fit to carry our patron saint's name and whoever decided to put up the tree should hang their head in shame."
Hotel manager Edwina Stevens yesterday failed to respond to numerous calls from the Daily Express for comment about her unseasonal festivities.
A hotel worker said: "I think she's too busy getting ready for Christmas."