IT may still be beach weather but Stewarts Garden Centres are already gearing up for Christmas.

They have revealed the dates that tickets go on sale for the most sought-after Santa tickets in town.

Monday October 7 is the big day when you can buy tickets for Santa's Winter Wonderland.

Santa will be at Stewarts' Christchurch and Broomhill Garden Centres from November 23 until Christmas Eve.

He will also be on duty at Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre from November 30 until December 24.

Tickets will be released in store and online at 8.30am on October 7. It will not be possible to book by phone.

And there is certain to be huge demand.

Tickets cost £12.95, to include a present, for children between the ages of seven months and 12 years.

Babies and adults can go along for £1 each but they won't get a present.

There are also opportunities to buy souvenir photographs.