WAREHOUSE workers were given an early Christmas treat when a former X Factor winner serenaded them with festive tunes as they wrapped presents.

Joe McElderry – winner of The X Factor in 2009 – surprised staff at Amazon’s Fulfilment Centre at Kingston Park, Peterborough, this week by entertaining them at the busiest period of the year.

It was the first time the singer had ever performed in a warehouse and staff got in the festive spirit by dancing in the aisles during the unique performance.

After taking to the makeshift stage, Joe even got stuck in helping staff wrap presents, including his new album, Classic Christmas, before they were sent off around the country.

The concert also provided Joe with a chance to get some inspiration for his Christmas shopping, which he admitted he had left to the last minute this year.

He said: “I went Christmas shopping the other night, I had a break in my schedule and went with the mindset that I was going to buy everybody’s present, get it all over and done with in one go but it didn’t work out as I’d planned.

“I bought several things for myself and not one thing for anyone else!

“I will leave it to the last minute, I know I will, it will be Christmas Eve. I’ll do it online otherwise I’ll get distracted and buy things for myself!

“I’ve never performed in a warehouse before. It was great to see all the people pouring down the central aisle towards me and getting into the spirit of things singing along.”

The singer also had a chance to reminisce about his favourite Christmas memories as he prepares for the big day – including memories of his favourite presents from when he was a child.

He said: “The best present I received was a remote control car when I was a kid, a new style red Volkswagen Beetle, I loved it.

“But the first day I got it home I took it out into the street and my friend was kicking a football which bounced off a wall and hit the car, smashing it to smithereens, I was devastated and I’ve never got over it!

“My favourite things about Christmas are being with friends and family and everyone cooking together, chilling out, cooking and eating together.”

He said he was hoping to spend the festive period relaxing with family – and that Santa would bring him tickets to see American pop star Beyonce, a new car or a set of popular board game Monopoly.

The performance was welcomed by Mark Cunningham, general manager at the warehouse, who said it had provided a welcome break for stressed out staff.

He said: “Joe was a real hit with everyone here at the fulfilment centre.

“His performance of favourites including ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ and ‘Last Christmas’ got everyone in the festive spirit and he even got stuck in helping to gift wrap some of the orders for his new album.”