Children at a west London church have put a contemporary spin on a seasonal tradition by helping to create an online Advent calendar.

Snowmen, angels, stockings and nativity scenes have been drawn by 24 children from St Michael and All Angels church in Bedford Park, Chiswick.

A different design is being revealed each day on a website created for the church's Christmas appeal.

The originals can be seen on a six-foot high calendar in the church itself, the first door of which was opened on Advent Sunday by Father Kevin Morris.

Stocking by Josie Thum

He said: "The children have done a marvellous job and we can't wait to see all the pictures, as they're revealed day by day.

"We think it's an engaging and imaginative way of helping raise money for our Christmas appeal."

The appeal is raising money for St Mary's Convent and Nursing Home in Chiswick, which needs �1.5m to save it from closure.

It is also supporting a hospital in Tanzania, a school in Palestine and Save the Children.