Freeport is spreading Christmas cheer by offering customers free warm drinks, bag-carrying and surprise gifts.

The Braintree shopping centre, in Charter Way, has organised for festive helpers to wander around the village on Thursday, December 21 and Friday, December 22, distributing festive treats.

Mother Christmas will also be checking children's names against her husband's naughty or nice list.

Josef O'Sullivan, centre manager at Freeport Braintree, said: "We know exactly how stressful Christmas can be when it comes to finding the perfect present.

"That’s why we created Christmas Cheer, as a way of showing our appreciation for busy mums, wives and girlfriends plus the lackadaisical dads, lads, daughters and other halves.

"Freeport Braintree’s the perfect place to find a great gift, at a terrific price, for every member of the family and all your friends and in a relaxed, friendly environment.

"And what could be nicer than a little gesture of kindness to recognise that you’re doing a great job, not just at Christmas, but every day of the year."

Visit www.freeport-braintree.com.