But a new shop will be springing up in Long Causeway on December 3 to help shoppers get back in touch with the Christmas story.

Instead of selling festive gifts Love Came Down At Christmas will be giving away goodies such as mince pies and gingerbread biscuits.

And those passing by can also have their photos taken in the Nativity scene in the shop unit's window alongside a real-life donkey.

The photograph will be available to view and download for free on a website alongside information about local church carol services, a reading of the Christmas story from the Bible and stories of what Christmas means to people today.

Clive Morton, who is a member of Churches Together, said the new shop, which is one of several being set up nationwide, was a great idea.

He said: "There will be a crib scene set up in the window and the public can set up photo, dress up as nativity characters and put the picture on the website.

"It's a pure giveaway initiative - there is nothing for sale.

"Christmas has become too commercial so this is about showing people the real meaning of it."

The shop will be open for three weeks and is part of the Get In The Picture initiative which is backed by the Baptist Union of Great Britain and a number of Christian denominations and organisations.

The Head of the mission department in the Baptist Union of Great Britain Rev Ian Bunce said: "Every Christmas the story of Jesus still echoes round England.

"Get In The Picture is a simple, helpful way of taking that echo and making it real for people.

"It's public, it's visual, it's creative, it's fun and it's effective."

For more details, visit www.getinthepicture.org.uk