Published: 06/12/2009 00:00 - Updated: 09/12/2009 11:04

Police called as Santa gets the boot in bid to deliver gifts to Yarl's Wood

Father Christmas has not been allowed to deliver presents to children at Yarl's Wood.

Staff even called police to the detention centre near Clapham after he had arrived with sackfuls of gifts for the youngsters.

Dressed as the patron saint of children and prisoners, St Nicholas of Myra was accompanied by Reverend Professor Nicholas Sagovsky from Westminster Abbey (pictured above).

Their visit was intended to spread some Christmas cheer among the children of those detained at Yarl's Wood.

They contacted staff at the centre in advance but were told they were unable to enter. Instead they had to leave the gifts at the gates.

St Nicholas said: "I think it's very sad that they won't let us in. I have been all over the world and have never received a reception like this before. The staff have been very uncooperative." The Reverend added: "It's disappointing that we've been turned away as we wanted to deliver the gifts in person." Bedfordshire Police were called to the centre but St Nicholas and the others left shortly after.

Alan Kittle, Director of Detention Services for the UK Border Agency said: "UKBA already have procedures in place to ensure any children held in detention over the Christmas period receive a present and get to see Santa."

The visit was organised by the St Nicholas Society and Citizens for Sanctuary which wants to see the end of the detention of children.
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