Families are invited to enjoy a free Christmas fun day in Durham this weekend.

Organisers at Emmanuel Church are hoping that this year will be the biggest yet and are inviting families from all around to visit to enjoy the huge range of free Christmas fun activities on offer.

There will be large inflatables, face painting, crafts and food crafts, games consoles, a film room, a Christmas Story trail and Santa’s Grotto at The Durham Centre on Belmont Industrial Estate.

A Church spokesman said: “Our offer to families is that Christmas doesn’t have to cost the earth. Come along to our Christmas Family Fun Day and have a great time, all for free.

“We were so pleased that so many people came along to celebrate Christmas last year and we’re hopeful this year will be even bigger still.”

The event will be held on Saturday, December 2, from 1pm to 4pm.

Some free transport will be available – families should make contact to arrange.

Visit www.emmanuel.org.uk.christmas or email: info@emmanuel.org.uk.

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The Fun Day begins a programme of events and services at Emmanuel in the countdown to Christmas.

On Sunday December 10, the church will host a Charity Brass Band Concert featuring Aycliffe and Brancepeth Brass Band.

This is an event for the whole family, with stories and singalong carols. Entry and mulled wine and mince pies are free, with a collection for a chosen charity. The concert begins at 5pm.

A Christmas Family Service will be held on Sunday December 17 at 10.30am, and a service will also be held on Christmas Day at 10am.