CHRISTMAS has come early for St Peter's Garden Centre after its Christmas department was chosen the best in the Midlands by the Garden Centre Association for the second time in three years.

Tony Blake, who owns the centre at Norton, near Worcester, said: "I'm thrilled to win this award for the second time. We won it back in 2013 and we have done it again in 2015. Our success can be attributed to the loyalty of both customers and our full and part time team of sixty five.

"From day one we were determined to keep the centre a part of the local community and support local charities. I’m delighted that the green fingered gardening residents in the region have helped us to support these in a big way. Our charity based Grotto is hoping to raise more than £5,000 this year and for the first time we are going to open it during the week as a walk through, so all our customers can see how much work we put into the display. But to see Santa you will still have to come in on the weekends”.

Garden Centre manager Ian Griffiths added: "The whole team work incredibly hard to transform the garden centre into the magical wonderland that our customers come from far and wide to see. The displays are enjoyed by all, young and old, and it’s always so worthwhile to see everyone happy and smiling at this time of year, especially our younger gardeners who just love the visit to see Santa in his grotto and this year’s mini fun fair”.