A popular shopping centre has stopped selling gift cards in the centre less than a fortnight before Christmas.

Freeport Braintree has cited technical difficulties as the reason why it has stopped selling gift cards at its Tourist Information Centre on site.

The only option is for customers to buy gift cards online, as well as a handling fee of £2 and postage costs of at least 76p for second class.

This means those buying a £5 gift card will be paying charges of more than 50 per cent of its value.

Centre manager Josef O'Sullivan 'said: "Unfortunately, due to unforeseen technical difficulties, we are currently unable to sell our gift cards on site at Freeport Braintree.

"This is only a temporary situation and we are diligently working with all parties involved to have this resolved as soon as possible.

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our customers.

"As an alternative, Freeport Braintree gift cards can still be purchased online via our website.

"We would remind our customers that this on-line facility is managed by a third party and therefore handling fees will apply."

The centre hopes to rectify the situation soon and has urged customers to follow its website and facebook page for updates.

Visit freeport-braintree.com for updates.