THE National Trust has started its countdown to Christmas by getting its stockings ready a month early.

The heritage body has put five stockings online, each filled with ideas for events, gifts and activities involving food, crafts, festive fun and taking time out.

The online stockings mark the start of the Trust’s annual Christmas events programme during which people can visit Santa Claus, make crafts, tuck into a delicious Christmas meal, visit a Christmas market or soak up the atmosphere of a traditional carol concert.

Nicky Grace, of the National Trust in Yorkshire said: “We’ve got hundreds of events taking place at National Trust places across Yorkshire in the run up to Christmas. If you can’t wait until Christmas to open your stocking, go online and open one of ours a month early.”

To find your perfect stocking go online to nationaltrust.org.uk/yorkshire