FATHER Christmas and his alpacas will join residents in Painswick this year to help get the village in the festive spirit.

Santa Clause will reside in his caravan grotto for the Goodwill Evening, but he will be the one expecting the presents this year - they will be donated to the Salvation Army and passed on to families who need them the most.

However, he will take lists from the children, to help him decide what presents to bring them on Christmas day.

The evening will incorporate traditional children's games, craft stalls, hot food and a few special surprises in keeping with this year's theme, 'extending goodwill to all'.

There will also be a special visit from the Christmas alpacas, before they are needed on Christmas Eve.

This year, maps will be free from The Painswick Centre in return for a foodbank donation - they highlight the villages attractions and show children where they can collect stickers.

Once eight have been collected they can be entered a big prize draw.

After 6pm, Father Christmas will make an appearance in Saint Mary’s Churchyard, and he will lead a beautiful lantern parade performed by school children.

The annual Painswick Goodwill evening will take place between 5pm and 8pm on Friday, November 30 and all are welcome.