’TWAS the week before Christmas, and a rather important man was seen in the library.

Preschool children were given a special treat when Father Christmas stopped at Halstead library to read stories and sing carols before his busy week begins.

He visits every year and this year, organisers Mandy Mickley and Jane Winch, got out Christmas stories and sang renditions of Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Pauline Cartlidge, deputy library supervisor, said: “The children were certainly very excited.”