EXCITED Susan Valtas loves Christmas.

The Winsford mum usually waits until December to put her tree up.

However, the 51-year-old believes there has been so much sadness this year, she broke with tradition.

"I put my tree up eight days ago and it cheered me up so much," said mum-of-two Susan, who lives on the Grange estate. "I normally feel embarrassed about putting my Christmas tree up too early.

"But this year there has been so much sadness and sorrow, I couldn't wait to get my lights on."

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Susan was spurred into action by one of her twin daughters Jasmine, 21, who moved into a new home with partner Keinan and nine-month-old baby Melody.

"We bought Jasmine a tree and baubles and she put hers up straightaway," said Susan. "I decided to put mine up and it's been amazing. I'm self isolating so I rarely go out. This has really lifted my spirits, I'm ecstatic."

The former manageress of Klick photography in Winsford has also changed the colour of her tree this year, in memory of her late nan.

"I've always had a massive green tree but always wanted a white tree as it reminds me of my nan's house when I was growing up," said Susan, who lives with twin daughter Lauren. "I found one and it's given me great comfort and joy. I also bought lots of the old fashioned silver decorations to hang from the ceiling."

Susan's late nan Alice Manley died a few years ago from dementia.

"When I get up every morning I can't wait to put my tree lights on," said Susan. "There is so much misery and sadness around, I wonder if many other people in Winsford have put their trees up early?"