EXCITABLE children gathered at a pier to see St Nicholas arrive in Harwich by lifeboat.

Father Christmas arrived at the Ha’Penny Pier last Saturday on a lifeboat, where he was greeted by crowds.

The crowds then followed in a procession to St Nicholas’ Church, in Harwich, where there was an afternoon of crafts, musical stories and refreshments.

The Rev Canon Margaret Shaw said it was a wonderful afternoon.

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

“The children could have their picture taken with St Nicholas.

“We’ve all had a lovely afternoon together, the children were happy and so were the adults.

“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 spectators were asked to donate to the RNLI .

The amount raised by the event is still being counted.