CHRISTMAS has come early for York retailers after a bumper weekend of festive shopping.

Business and tourism chiefs welcomed an early start to the seasonal boom as the streets were crammed with shoppers and drivers queued on roads leading into the city.

The news will be a boost to traders ahead of what is traditionally the busiest Saturday in York's shopping calendar - when the St Nicholas Fayre festive market comes to the city.

Elaine Nelson, manager of Debenhams, in Davygate, said her store staff were "run ragged" by the rush and has drafted in extra workers to cope with the coming weekend.

She said: "It was extremely busy. Our store assistants were run ragged. They just do not know where all the people came from. It was an exceptional weekend.

"We all geared up for this weekend and we have put on additional staffing."

Coppergate Centre Manager Diana Golding said the festive trade had exploded after a slow start to the season.

She said: "It was a busy weekend but next weekend is bound to be the busiest and best weekend of the whole year.

"It has been a slow start to the season but now it has really taken off. People are making up for lost time. All the forecasts are good for the run-up to Christmas."

The retail boom comes ahead of the first late night shopping day of the season, on Thursday when most city centre outlets will open into the evening.

The four-day St Nicholas Fayre launches on the same day and will see dozens of market traders selling gifts, crafts and farm produce descend on the city.

Many of the biggest high-street retailers have already launched sales to encourage shoppers to spend their cash before the January spending spree.

Adam Sinclair, chairman of York Business Pride, said that shoppers were flocking to the city.

"Saturday was phenomenal," he said.

"It was like a December weekend. It is hugely encouraging for York.

"The city seems to be pulling in more than its fair share. It is not just the shops; it is the presentation of the city. The Christmas lights look good and it is a wonderful shopping experience."

Chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, Gillian Cruddas, said more visitors are being drawn to the city with more high-street shops opening in the last year.

She said: "We have got such a mix of different shops - the high street names and the independents. I was wandering up and down Petergate and Stonegate on Saturday at 5pm and it was still busy.

"I think people are prepared to travel that bit further to shop in York. It is a good thing and we are stronger as a shopping destination."

Len Cruddas, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "I think there is a lot of optimism and the city has been very, very busy, which is a good sign.

"It is always good news if you have got more people in the town spending money."