FOOD stocked, decorations up, and Christmas jumpers out - friends and family certainly go the extra mile in the season of goodwill to make it a memorable day for loved ones.

But away from the wrapping, Christmas dinner plans and outfit preparations, comes a force so big that Christmas may not be possible without it.

No, not Santa Claus, but supermarkets.

Without them, organising for the big day would be somewhat unimaginable.

Morrisons, on Greenalls Avenue, expect to sell more than 9,400 rolls of wrapping paper, 8,300 Christmas cards and 3,500 pigs in blankets in the run-up to Christmas.

The store is set to star in just as big a role as Santa himself for residents across the town - a responsibility they are proud to take on.

“It’s no great surprise that Christmas is one of our busiest times and we thrive on it," said general manager Les Williams.

"It’s an opportunity for all of our skilled crafts people, like our butchers and bakers, to show what they can really do, while our other colleagues help our customers lay their hands on everything they need for the big day.

“After every Christmas, we look at how make the next one even better for our customers and colleagues in our store."

With just days left until Christmas, the store is will be pulling out all the stops to make it the most successful festive period to date.

After appointing a new team of 'availability champions' in the store, Les is also adamant that items on shelves will be replenished quicker than ever.

"We opened in 1994 so, after twenty years, we’re hopeful that it’ll be our best Christmas yet," added Les.

"We’re even more confident with our new team of ‘availability champions’ in place, who will be focused on keeping our shelves well stocked.

“We’d like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and look forward to welcoming them to the store.”