AN INTERNATIONALLY famous German Christmas shop is set to open its doors in York.

Käthe Wohlfahrt is opening its first ever British outlet on Stonegate, in buildings that used to house York firm Mulberry Hall.

The company has announced its doors will open on Friday, August 5.

Housed in the timber framed building which dates back to 1434, the festive window displays - created specially in Germany - have already gone on show and are attracting attention from summer shoppers.

The York shop will be one of only a handful of Käthe Wohlfahrt outlets outside of Germany, and a spokesman for the company said it promises to add a "must visit" experience to York's shopping scene.

The company was started 50 years ago in Germany by Wilhelm Wohlfahrt selling a wooden music box, and is still run by the Wohlfahrt family.

It has become famous for its year-round stores and traditional decorations, and displays and decorations have been created specifically for the York store at the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas workshop in Rothenburg, Bavaria.

The company is also famous for its presence in Christmas markets across Germany and Europe.