John Lewis has released a memory-strewn tear-jerker, following a woman frantically buying a last-minute gift for her sister, for its highly-anticipated Christmas advert.

The Gifting Hour opens with heroine Sally running into the retailer’s Oxford Street flagship store, the first time a John Lewis store has appeared in its Christmas ad, 15 minutes before closing time.

Falling through a rack of dresses, she steps into the attic of her childhood home, and begins a journey through her memories of growing up with her sister as she searches for a thoughtful present.

Returning to reality, Sally meets her sister outside the store with her wrapped gift, and as they walk away her sister is reflected in the John Lewis window as the child from her memories.

(Image: John Lewis)

Richard Ashcroft, the former Verve frontman, provides the soundtrack with his song Sonnet from his Acoustic Hymns album, a departure........

© South Wales Argus