AN historic church dedicated to St Nicholas is welcoming a visit from its patron saint next month.

St Nicholas Church in Warndon Villages is hosting Santa Claus on Saturday, December 5, alongside a Christmas crafts afternoon from 2.30pm until 4pm.

There will be children's activities in the church barn including making angels, stars, shepherds and baby Jesus biscuits and the 15th century church tower will be transformed into a grotto.

Rev'd Diane Cooksey, vicar of St Nicholas, said: "St Nicholas was once the most popular Saint in Europe and the name Santa Claus evolved from the Dutch nick name 'Sinter Klaas', short for St Nicholas. Being dedicated to St Nicholas we thought it appropriate to ask Santa Claus to join us and help celebrate the feast of St Nicholas, which is the day after."

Families are invited in to the church to make their own Christingles and stay for a short Christingle service at 4pm.