Meet the grandmother who has had all her Christmas presents bought and wrapped up - since August.

When the UK was enjoying the summer heat and people were dressing in shorts and flip flops, Dawn Roulton, 55, had the wintery scenes of Christmas in her mind.

Four months before the festive period, the mum-of-three started to buy presents for her sons, their partners and her six grandchildren between her and her husband, Michael.

By the end of August, the presents were bought, wrapped and stored in a cupboard out of sight.

Mrs Roulton, of Hillie Bunnies, Earls Colne, is well known among her friends and family for preparing for Christmas well in advance.

She said: “I like starting early because it gets me in the Christmas spirit."

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.