Dunstable Christmas church celebration held in July

A special visitor, Father Christmas, made an appearance at Priory Church St Peter in Dunstable, to spread Christmas cheer in July

A Christmas celebration, complete with carols and mince pies, has taken place in the middle of the summer for people who missed out on traditional services in December.

It was organised by the Reverend Rachel Phillips at the Priory Church of St Peter in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

The Church of England rector maintains that "Christmas is not just for Christmas".

"We celebrated as Dunstable has never done before," she said.

Carols were sung with "gusto" outside the church the reverend said

The outdoor event included traditional carols, a small nativity play and a visit from Father Christmas.

"He's not that busy at this time of year," Ms Phillips said.

The event was not just to make up for the church not being able to hold its usual carol service in December because of coronavirus regulations.

• Town's Christmas trees still up in July

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• Umbrellas up at church to avoid bird droppings

"Last December we weren't able to celebrate as we normally would, so we're doing it now," Ms Phillips said.

"But there is a serious point here, which is, that what Christians celebrate at Christmas is not just for Christmas - it's not just for one day."

Reverend Rachel Phillips got into the spirit of Christmas with a wee donkey and said the event was "joyful"

About 100 people turned up wearing their Christmas jumpers and sporting Santa hats.

Children dressed as their favourite "nativity character" and picnics were eaten - complete with turkey sandwiches and mince pies.

"The weather was a lot more Christmas jumper friendly than the hot temperatures we had last week," Ms Phillips said.

"The children were so excited, seeing their faces when Father Christmas appeared was just lovely. It made their Christmas."

The "colourful" event saw children dressed up as characters from the nativity scene