CHRISTMAS is all wrapped up - thanks to staff at Amazon in Gourock who are preparing to deliver over one million festive gifts.

The Tele was invited along to the Faulds Park facility for a behind the scenes tour as the online retail giant gears up for their busiest time of the year.

Lorna Sharples, who is the site leader, says this is always a chaotic period.

She explained: "We have 300 full time staff and at this time of year we have over 100 additional people who come in to help us over Christmas, many of whom come back year after year.

"Some of our biggest sellers this year are the Echo Dot, Fire TV sticks and Frozen 2 dolls. I must say though, traditional favourites like Lego still do really well.

"When I started 10 years ago, it was mainly books and CDs, so its been good to watch the shift and change in buying patterns."

For Lorna, this is her first year as site leader after she took the reins from Gavin Morrison, who retired this year.

She said: "I started 10 years ago as an area manager, moved up to operations manager and then progressed to senior operations manager - and now I'm site leader.

"I'm working with the same team of people so I'm very lucky in that respect as I know the staff really well."

One of the hard working team members is Christina Paul, from Greenock, who has worked at the Amazon base for the past 15 years.

She said: "One of my main jobs is putting the presents in the gift bags. It's nice to know you'll be making people happy at Christmas.

"It's a great time, I'll probably handle about 500 presents each day."

Although this is always the busiest time of year, Lorna ensures that her team have time to get into the Christmas spirit.

She said: "We do have a community in here so at this time of year it's about making sure it is not just all work and no play.

"We're having a Christmas concert and a Christmas dinner, plus we've organised quizzes and competitions."

Charity work is also at the forefront as they continue to support Inverclyde Foodbank, their chosen charity for this year.

Lorna said: "I didn't appreciate, until I got this role, the different way the community pulls together and supports each other.

"Being part of a business that can offer this support is fantastic."