Tesco is today sending out a surprise pre-Christmas Clubcard statement to its customers, in a bid to win their festive spend.

The grocer has sent out its £67m February 2010 statement early so shoppers can use the vouchers for their Christmas shopping. Tesco said it was able to do this because of its double points campaign, which meant shoppers have been earning vouchers twice as fast as they were this time last year.

Tesco said it has now returned more than half a billion pounds (£529m) in Clubcard vouchers to shoppers this year.

Tesco’s commercial director, Richard Brasher, said: ”This seasonal surprise is to help customers at a time when we know they will appreciate it most. We know that this year mums are taking tight control of family budgets and they are looking for treats, not extravagance.

“Our customers can choose to use their vouchers for Christmas extras or hold onto them until the rest of their February statement - the choice is theirs.”

Tesco usually sends out its Clubcard statements four times a year.