Residents of Peterhead could be forgiven for thinking Christmas has come early.

After all, the Aberdeenshire town is proudly displaying its festive lights and decorations - with 280 shopping days to go before Christmas 2009.

But council chiefs have not been overly eager in preparations for this Christmas - they just have yet to remove last year's decorations.

One local told stv news: "To be quite honest, it's just the council for you."

The town has form in this area. Two years ago, the Christmas tree held pride of place until February.

The council said the person charged with removing the decorations no longer works for them.

Councillor Robert Thomas explained: "The town co-ordinator who was responsible for making sure these things were put up and taken down again - his post ceased at the end of December.

"Nobody seems to have picked up the ball and run with it."