The annual rush around the stores for last-minute Christmas gifts is many a man's idea of unmitigated hell.

Problem presents, dwindling stocks and packed shops all take their toll on the shopper's peace of mind.

But one store chain aims to take the panic out of buying by providing personal shoppers, who hand out advice on those difficult gifts.

Wearing a red T-shirt with Don't Panic Guys! emblazoned across the front, they are on the lookout for those manic-eyed men wandering aimlessly round the aisles.

Mel McLeish, 25, and Lucinda Addington-Smith, 22, were out and about at Boots in North Street, Brighton, yesterday.

It is just one of 200 branches offering personal shoppers.

Caroline Bassett, a supervisor in the beauty and personal care department, said: "You can spot an indecisive shopper a mile off, they wander round aimlessly and take ages looking at things. It will be people like that who we will be trying to help.

"We would ask the man who he is buying for and which age range and then direct him to one of the more profitable lines. In this department we would direct him to the fragrances and the Christmas gift sets we have."

And the idea has proved a hit with at least some perplexed shoppers.

Jamie Beighton, 24, of Hove, said: "They were a big help. I always leave things until the last minute, although I am not usually stressed about it.

"All of my mates panic when they go shopping at the last minute. They were very calm and thoughtful and I think this is a great idea and more shops should follow suit."

Neil Munns, 29, a builder, of Cromwell Road, Hove, said: "Shopping is really stressful at the best of times but Christmas shopping is just dreadful.

"This is a great idea because most women are pretty good at present-buying, so to take advice from a pro is a real bonus."