Christmas not shelved as Father Christmas pops into Earls Barton library

Covid has not cancelled Christmas for village residents
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A Northamptonshire library has been lucky enough to secure a visit by Santa Claus to add some seasonal sparkle and lift the spirits of children in their village.

Volunteers at Earls Barton Library and Community Centre were delighted that St Nick will take time out of his busy schedule to meet visitors to the Broad Street hub.

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Cally Palôt-Watts, secretary of Earls Barton Library and Community Centre, said: "In an effort to bring some joy to a, potentially, very lacklustre Christmas in our village, we hosted a visit from Father Christmas on December 13 and [will host another] again on this Sunday, December 20.

"Children can meet him - socially distanced - have photos, get a present and bring presents which are donated to less fortunate children as well as posting letters in our special North Pole postbox.

"We have moved Santa's sitting room, complete with tree, lights and fireplace to the library and had 40 children visiting on each day.

"Last Sunday was a huge success with the children loving the whole event."

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The library has been decked out with starry windows and a total of seven trees, including one made of books.

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This year, Earls Barton's regular Christmas Tree Festival was cancelled as was Carols on the Square with the various Christingle and Carol services at the church also falling foul of Covid regulations.

Cally added: "We ran a lights around the village trail, instead, with maps of all the places, including the library, which were decorated with lights for Christmas.

"This weekend there is a Nativity trail, through which you can follow the Christmas story via various displays in windows around the village - the Wise men are in the Library window.

"Families are encouraged to wear their Nativity costumes and finish in the church where they can take a photo at the crib."