St Nicholas has already arrived in Harwich.
Warm welcome - Harwich residents welcome St Nicholas and Black Pete. Picture: STEVE BRADING (46486-e)
He traded his sleigh and reindeers for a RNLI lifeboat and came ashore on Saturday.
It was three weeks too early for children who were still writing their Christmas lists.
But it was perfect timing for vicar Erwin Lammens, who has brought the tradition over from his native Belgium.
Mr Lammens explained that in other parts of Europe, including Belgium, Holland and Switzerland, children get their presents on the feast of St Nicholas on December 6.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Monday, December 5, 2005
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