A CHURCH is hoping for a record turn out at its Christmas family fun day this weekend.

Durham-based Emmanuel Church is inviting families from around the area to visit and take part in free Christmas activities on Saturday, from 1pm-4pm.

Taking place at The Durham Centre, on Belmont Industrial Estate, there will be large inflatables, a Santa’s Grotto, face painting, biscuit decorating, crafts, games consoles, a film room and a Christmas story room where visitors can meet characters from the nativity.

Last year more than 550 people attended and organisers are hoping even more turn out this year.

Pete Gray, Emmanuel Church’s children and youth worker, 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.”

Some free transport will be available, with pick-up and drop-off points at Laurel Avenue Community Centre and Pelaw View Community Centre on Sherburn Road Estate; and near Sainsbury’s on Sunderland Road and outside Gilesgate Primary School in Gilesgate. For full details, visit www.emmanuel.org.uk/christmas.

The church is also hosting a charity brass brand concert on Sunday, December 15 featuring Aycliffe and Brancepeth Brass Band and a Christmas family service on Sunday, December 22.