Reporter Sophie Arnold hunts for some Christmas decorations in Leigh town centre... 

HAVING always lived with friends or family, this year I found myself in the situation of having absolutely no Christmas decorations.

And I mean none – not even a string of fairly lights loitering under the bed somewhere.

This left me with the daunting prospect of decorating an entire flat.

With this in mind, I headed to Leigh in the hope the shops would provide a solution to my predicament – and they didn’t disappoint!

I didn’t want to go mad and turn my home into Santa’s grotto.

All I wanted was a few nice Christmassy things to spread around – a dusting of Christmas spirit, if you will.

I was in luck. Apparently in mid-November the shops have all their displays out but few people are even contemplating decorations, yet I had my pick of some real gems.

After debating the simple addition of some plastic berries over a wooden-plaited wreath before I realised I had nowhere to hang it – I doubt the landlord would appreciate me sticking a nail in his door – I hit gold.

The Finesse gift shop in Bradshawgate has transformed into a grotto of Christmas treats.

It was hard to resist the beautifully crafted tree decorations, intricately decorated candle sticks and traditional figurines of angels and nativity scenes.

My favourite from here was a white, wire star for that all important position on top of the Christmas tree.

The PDSA charity shop had an array of colourful decorations to hang on the tree.

Among painted wooden Christmas trees, stars and hearts, I found a small, silver and gold reindeer at the bargain price of £1.50.

The next stop was the British Heart Foundation shop, where I spied two red tea light holders adorned with glitter, ribbon and tiny bells – and both for just £2.50!

Other festive finds came in the form of the window display at Age UK.

For the grand total of £6.23 I walked out with a sequinned heart, a gold, glittery light and another tea light holder.

After stopping off at some other town centre stores for fairy lights, baubles and tinsel, all I need now is the tree.