Buy Christmas cards from amateur artist to support church restoration

Charlotte Carver from Welland has been working away on a selection of festive cards.

Her bestsellers include 'Snowfall and Sunset at St Wulstan's', a scenic representation of her parish, which is known internationally for being the resting place of composer Edward Elgar.

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Another of Mrs Carver's designs channels the spirit of the Christmas classic '12 Days of Christmas', as it featured a partridge in a pear tree.

While creating this design, she discovered deep religious symbolism within the song: "I discovered there is a tradition that each line represents a different aspect of the Christian faith.

"For example, the ten lords a-leaping symbolise the ten commandments, the four calling birds are the four gospels and the Partridge is Jesus".

The new releases sell at £5 for 10 cards.

The collection also includes the classic 'Annunciation' card (£4 for ten), based on a scene from the stained-glass windows of St Wulstan's Lady Chapel, handcrafted in the1880s by Hardman Studios of Birmingham.

Mrs Carver remains passionate about the practice of sending Christmas cards, saying: "The tradition of sending cards at Christmas is as popular as ever.

"With the price of 2nd class stamps frozen at 75p, why not keep in touch with friends far and near at this time of year by sending them a limited edition card, with your love and best wishes for joy and peace this Christmas."

To buy from her collection, visit https://www.christmascardsinaidofstwulstanschurch.com/cards.