A vicar is urging people not to worry about buying children expensive presents, but instead lavish love, time and attention on their children this Christmas.

Last month, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said increased financial pressure in the build-up to Christmas "spoils life" for families across the UK.

Reverend Javaid Iqbal, rector of Aldenham, Radlett and Shenley Team Ministry and vicar of Radlett, today reminded parishioners of this message and urged them to use Christmas to take care of those less fortunate than themselves.

He said: “Giving presents is fine because it is sharing God’s blessings with others at the festival of Christmas, but we should remember that Christmas is Christ’s birthday and he should be the focus of our attention.

“We should be asking ourselves what we can give him along with the shepherds and the Magi.

“Obeying Christ’s teaching we should remember those who are less fortunate, the hungry, the homeless and the lonely.

“On behalf of my own flock, the members of Christ Church and St John’s in Radlett, I wish everyone of all faiths and none a joyous and blessed Christmas.”

He invited people who were not regular parishioners to attend Christmas services at the two churches.