It is often said that Christmas celebrations seem to start earlier and earlier each year.

Eastern Daily Press: Alexis Ruthven Second ChristmasAlexis Ruthven Second Christmas (Image: Archant)

However one Reydon family to it has beaten everyone to it this year - by putting up the Christmas decorations in July so their terminally ill son can celebrate an extra yuletide.

Alexis Ruthven, eight, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), an incurable genetic condition which causes his muscles to degenerate.

Life expectancy for the condition is in the 20s but, as the disease progresses, it will also be more difficult for the youngster to take part in Christmas traditions.

'We know that Alexis won't have as many Christmases as most people and with all the hospital appointments, physio and medication, we thought he deserved an extra one,' said his mother Katrina Ruthven.

Alexis was joined by his sisters Eva, four, Beatrice, three, and Elizabeth, one, for an Australian-style summertime Christmas on July 13, with all the trimmings of a Christmas tree, decorations and crackers.

On the day itself presents were unwrapped from under the tree, with the children's highlight being a trip to Legoland this week.

Mrs Ruthven, 30, added: 'The day was a huge success, Alexis thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

'He loved all of the cards he received, the total was over 500, from as far away as Bermuda, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand,'

Alexis said: 'I liked it a lot, I'm really lucky to have two Christmases.'