A KIND-HEARTED woman has given her church the best Christmas present its parishioners could wish for.

The anonymous lady specially commissioned a crucifix as a present for St Nicholas' Parish Church in Hedsor, near Bourne End.

She then wrapped it in Christmas paper and left it in the church for the rector to find on Christmas Eve.

Sculptor Colin Mantripp, who spent nearly eight months creating the wooden crucifix, said: "The lady came to one of my lectures I gave and then she approached me to see if I would design and sculpt a crucifix for the church.

"She is quite keen that she is not identified but it is such a lovely gesture."

Rector of Hedsor and Bourne End the Reverend John Sclater said he was amazed when he found the gift with a note attached.

He said: "I'm still taken aback by the surprise. The note said 'given in the spirt of St Nicholas', that is what makes it more special because it has the story behind it. The story of St Nicholas."

The church, which dates back to the 15th Century, took its name from St Nicholas who gave three bags of gold to a less fortunate family so their daughters could get married.

Rev Sclater added: "It's a beautiful crucifix and it has got its own particular feel and spirit about it. It has a simplicity about it which fits the church."

The cross is carved from white maple while the Jesus Christ figure is made from old English oak.

Mr Mantripp added: "Pieces like this take time to germinate and grow. It's a momentum with the carving process and what they have now is a real masterpiece."

The crucifix was presented to the congregation on Christmas Day and it will be officially dedicated sometime in the new year.