Red robes and flowing white hair and beard - it can only mean St Nicholas is in town.

The annual St Nicholas Festival in one of the highlights of Canterbury’s festive calendar and Saturday’s was no exception.

Hundreds of schoolchildren and members of other local groups gave a rousing musical performance as they accompanied St Nicholas through the city.

The festival’s purpose is to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and raise money for local charities.

Canon Jim Rosenthal, as St Nicholas, was accompanied by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

They were greeted at the Cathedral’s Christchurch Gate by the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, the Very Rev Robert Willis and the Lord Mayor, Cllr Carolyn Parry.

A short, informal service then followed in the Nave and afterwards St Nicholas went to the Cathedral shop in Burgate to distribute presents to children.

In the evening there was a dinner in the Cathedral Education Centre.

Over the last eight years, the festival has raised more than £35,000 for local good causes.

Its patron, the Archbishop’s wife, Jane Williams, said: “This year’s charities are Find a Voice and Young Carers which are two very worthwhile charities.

“Find a Voice supports children and adults with communication difficulties and Young Carers helps people under 18 who look after a family member who is suffering form long term illness.”

•For more pictures see this week’s Kentish Gazette