THE statistics are frightening till staff at the Asda Walmart store will see more than 60,000 mince pies pass through their hands.

More than 500 fresh turkeys will have been sold, and that doesn't include the frozen variety that also sell by the lorry load.

Four times the usual amount of wine has been ordered in, and the store has a constant battle to ensure fruit and veg stalls remain full.

But Asda Walmart spokeswoman Helen Winfield says the hard work is paying off. Staff who were only thrown together shortly before the opening last month have been getting to know each other through the social festivities of Christmas.

She said: "There have been quite a lot of department parties. It does feel fairly festive in the store and it has a nice atmosphere."

She is hopeful the store will prove to have continued its early success when the Christmas figures are totted up. She said: "We are expecting big sales this Christmas. We broke all records for any Asda store in the country when we opened.''

Christmas is a big test for the store, but one which staff are enjoying.

Shaun Harrowing, retail replenishing manager at Asda Walmart, said: "Christmas week is our opportunity to bring thousands of new customers into Asda.

"You can ask anyone this is what every retailer looks forward to.

"We have got 32 managers in the store who are really up for the challenge of Christmas trade.

"This is what it is all about."