FATHER Christmas, Doctor Quack and Beelzibub himself were among the surprise characters entertaining villagers on the Green at Datchet on Boxing Day.

It was all part of the annual Christmas performance in the village by members of Datchet Border Morris Men.

The performance included familiar dances regularly staged by the Morris Men - as well as the sword dance and the mummers' play staged by members who have made it their speciality.

The foreman of the Morris Men Keith Walter said: "The swords are blunt so there is not anything for people to worry about."

The mummers' play featured a fight between good and evil involving a bizarre list of characters who included Santa Claus, the King of Egypt, a Turkish Knight, St George and the devil, all playing their part in a stylised drama that reached back to mediaeval times.

There is a script but the performers could not resist a bit of ad libbing on the way.

During the morning a collection was held to raise money for the charity Homestart - which supports families in need.

The Morris Men have been part of the community for as long as most people can remember and Boxing morning regularly brings out the villagers in force to show their support.