St Bartholomew’s Church will welcome Father Christmas today

He will join bellringers at St Bartholomew’s Church at 10am before meeting those who heard the beautiful quarter peal in church for warming refreshments.

And will be posing for pictures before he dashes off to prepare for his busiest time of the year.

Father Christmas’ special appearance at the historic church is also to raise money for two local charities, for which donations will make a huge difference.

The charities are Bolton Hospice and Fortalice, a Domestic Abuse charity.

Last time, Father Christmas and supporters raised over £6,500 for The Christie Hospital in Manchester.

The quarter peal is reserved for significant occasions and it consists of 1,200 bell rings.

Donations can be made by going to the church in person, or on their page at Givewheel at https://givewheel.com/fundraising/11119/christmas-charity-bellringing/

And although donations have been a bit slow this year for the two charities which do wonderful work, it is hoped that by bringing Father Christmas to spread some festive cheer to town will encourage many to make a donation to celebrate the season of goodwill to all men.

Bellringing starts at 10am today.