A new survey has suggested Christmas is "cancelled" for more than a quarter of households in Oldham with many unable to afford the festivities due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Data compiled by Inventory Planner, a forecasting and planning software, which polled 2,000 shoppers across the country suggests many are making cutbacks this Christmas as the cost-of-living crisis bites.

In Oldham, where 100 people were questioned, the survey suggests more than a quarter (26 per cent) of Oldhamers can not afford to celebrate this year.

The survey revealed 17 people in Oldham said they were ditching the tree, 16 will go without a turkey and 15 said they wouldn't be buying presents at all this year, all in a bid to save cash.

According to Inventory Planner, households across the country have been looking at ways to limit their spending. 

To spare fuel costs, it said 26 per cent of respondents to the survey said they are minimising their travel.

Some households have also set a strict spending limit for Christmas with many making homemade gifts (22 per cent), switching to Secret Santa presents (22 per cent), using old newspaper or no wrapping paper at all (23 per cent) and abandoning Christmas cards (15 per cent).

Meanwhile, one in five (21 per cent) of those polled will ask guests to make a contribution to the cost of Christmas dinner while 18 per cent are working extra hours to save up for the big day.

Sara Arthrell of Inventory Planner said: “Many shoppers in Oldham face a nightmare before Christmas but they are finding clever ways to save money and make sure that the Grinch doesn’t spoil all the fun.”

However, she said the cuts in consumer spending present a new challenge for retailers across the country.