DRINKERS at The Oak Tree in Brinscall must have thought they had walked through a time warp last weekend.

For Christmas decorations adorned the village pub and festive tunes rang out on the jukebox.

There was even a Mrs Santa Claus and a Christmas tree!

And although the date was only August 25, it was just like Christmas Day.

"Well, if the Queen can have two birthdays then why can't Brinscall have two Christmases?" said barmaid Janet Astley.

"And why not?" agreed landlord Leigh Wilson in a moment of madness.

And so it came to pass that the village celebrated the festive season in the middle of summer, with roast turkey, mince pies, free drinks all round and plenty of seasonal cheer.

Leigh said: "My grandson couldn't understand why we were putting up the decorations at the height of summer. I couldn't think of a reason so I just had to tell him that I had gone mad."

Some of the customers thought he had taken a turn for the worse when they walked in and saw shiny red and green tinsel draped around the place.

But none were complaining when they got to the bar and their Christmas drinks were lined up.

"Well, it's only twice a year!" said Leigh.