IT may be a touch early for many of us to start thinking about Christmas, but a Somerset firm that thinks about it all year round has launched an appeal - and is hoping residents can help.

People being asked to nominate a person from the community to help declare a shop near Wellington that’s dedicated to all things Christmassy, open.

Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm is looking for nominations of people who are community heroes to help it officially open its Christmas shop during its preview evening on Friday, November 15, at 6pm.

Nick Hendy, from Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm, which is based at Middle Hill Farm in Langford Budville, said: “We’re looking for nominations for someone who does a lot for charity, who has overcome an illness or personal difficulty, who has inspired others or who works in a caring role.

"We would like to invite them along to our Christmas tree farm to cut the ribbon to officially open our festive shop.

"We will also give the chosen VIP a free Christmas tree so at a later date nearer to Christmas they can pop back to the plantation to choose their own tree."

The launch event is also set to raise money for regional charity, Children's Hospice South West.

Nick added: “Once again, this year, we’re hoping to collect as much money as possible for Children’s Hospice South West from the sale of mince pies and teas and coffees from our launch event through to our last day of trading before Christmas on December 23.

"Last year we raised £3,662 for the organisation.”

People can make their nominations via email to info@langfordlakes.co.uk and should give details of who they wish to nominate and why.

All emails must include clear contact details of the nominators with their address and telephone number. The winner will be picked at random and by being the nominator or nominee they have agreed to take part in publicity.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, October 25.