CHRISTMAS may still be turning up far too soon for some, but Nottingham folk are telling us they like an early start.

Hence the positive reaction at the switching-on of the city's festive lights.

There are still 34 shopping days to Christmas but perhaps an autumn of gloomy economic news has prompted people to help themselves to a good time.

The city centre certainly looks the part – with a completed square (fountains in full working order), lights, newly-opened ice rink, German Christmas market, the new Brian Clough statue and the Christmas tree situated where it should be.

The mood of the country may be low – but we have the season of goodwill to look forward to.

In fact the atmosphere is already so festive in central Nottingham that even the most miserable Scrooge might be persuaded to head down to the Square ... and get his skates on.