EAGER children gathered to watch St Nicholas arrive...by lifeboat.

St Nicholas, also known as Father Christmas, arrived at the Ha’Penny Pier in Harwich courtesy of the Harwich RNLI lifeboat.

He was greeted by a crowd before the procession made its way up Church Street to St Nicholas Church.

The Rev Canon Margaret Shaw said it was a wonderful afternoon where everyone had great fun

She said: “We’ve had probably more than 100 people with 60 to 70 children and the rest adults.

“We’ve all had a lovely afternoon together.

“We want to say a big thank you to the Harwich RNLI and to Tendring Brass Band Academy because they played songs on the pier and traditional Christmas carols all afternoon.”

The event was free but asked for donations to the RNLI.

All proceeds from the day, together with some additional money from the church’s funds will be donated to Harwich RNLI.