NO decorations, no gimmicks and definitely no mentioning the C word - a Rushwick pub has become a last bastion of hope against the premature celebrating of Christmas.

Shops and restaurants may have had tinsel, gifts and Christmas promotions for what feels like months but the Whitehall Inn in Rushwick is bucking the trend.

Anyone caught uttering the C word must pay a fine and there will be no sign of a tree or stockings going up until the beginning of December.

However, it is not a case of Bah Humbug and instead those caught saying "Christmas" will be asked to pop a donation in the charity boxes by landlords Fiona and Ron Goldsby.

The pair have put posters up around the pub on Bransford Road warning customers that "Christmas is cancelled" and advertising a very alternative Christmas carols karaoke evening.

Mrs Goldsby said: "It's not about us being Scrooges it is just that we don't fancy celebrating so early and thought it would be a bit of fun as well as raise money for good causes.

"The idea behind it was because Christmas things are in shops and everything far too early.

"We don't do food so we haven't got a vested interest behind Christmas.

"We won't decorate the pub until December 1 whereas other places are doing it in September.

"We usually ask people to pop £1 in the swearbox if they use bad language and that's whatever charity tin we have on the bar.

"Currently we are collecting for the Poppy Appeal but we've had Acorns Children's Hospice, Help for Heroes is an ongoing one and more recently St Richard's Hospice because my mum passed away in May and she was cared for there.

"Our customers have lost friends and family too and remark on the fantastic work they do.

"It's nice to support charities while banning the C-word and our customers are all very generous, giving and supportive.

"People have been talking about it but everyone feels the same - it is too early to start celebrating Christmas."

The ban will be lifted on December 1 but the couple have plans for an alternative Christmas carol evening on Friday, December 11.

"We have put posters up saying Christmas is cancelled because we are having an alternative carols karaoke but it will definitely not be one for the kids.

"It's just a bit of fun though."