LIKE it or loathe it, nothing heralds the onset of Christmas quite like the Coca-Cola truck advert.

And the arrival of one, complete with glamorous Father Christmas helpers, at the Gravesend Asda store last week was proof that the holidays really are coming.

News Shopper: The Coca-Cola truck hits Gravesend (pics by Jason Arthur)

With servings of the sweet fizzy beverage to guzzle down among the festive lights, it was a night of festive cheer for those who braved the cold.

The event was part of the cola company's UK tour, which kicked off in Thamesmead and sees the trucks travel the length and breadth of the country.

News Shopper: The Coca-Cola truck hits Gravesend (pics by Jason Arthur)

Coca-Cola Christmas trucks first appeared on screens in November 1995 and since then have been a regular feature of Christmas TV schedules in over 100 different countries.

Marketing director Zoe Howorth said: "The festive season can mean different things for different people, but the ‘Holidays Are Coming’ advert is universally recognised as the unofficial countdown to Christmas.

News Shopper: The Coca-Cola truck hits Gravesend (pics by Jason Arthur)

"Millions of people have seen the adverts over the years and to be able to deliver that unique experience to people across the UK and Ireland once again this year is core to our values as a company. 

"We’re looking forward to spreading the holiday spirit and kick-starting the celebrations across the country along the way."