IF you were hoping to lay your hands on Aldi's Christmas character Kevin the Carrot on the Isle of Wight, you are out of luck.

Aldi says that all its stores nationwide including the ones in Lake and Cowes have run out of the novelty gift.

Large Kevin the carrots which retail at £20 have appeared for sale on eBay for as much as £900.

Kevin has inspired shoppers to queue at supermarkets to get their hands on newly launched stuffed toys in his likeness.

Queues were reported ahead of stores opening as families woke up early to get their hands on the toys.

Earlier this month, Aldi released its Christmas campaign featuring Kevin for a third consecutive year.

His popularity has led the retailer to describe him as "just a humble carrot who stole the nation's heart".

This year's campaign also introduces new character Pascal the Parsnip, who is determined to cause misery to Kevin, his wife Katie and their three children Chantenay, Baby Carrot and Jasper.

Shoppers took to Twitter to record their efforts to secure their toy, with some having an early start to ensure their place at the front of the queue.