This year’s Christmas card, which is being sold to fund restoration work at St Wulstan’s in Little Malvern, has collected admiration worldwide.

The stunning stained-glass windows in the church were designed by Birmingham-based Hardman Studios in the 1880s. 

The window featuring The Annunciation (when the angel Gabriel came to Mary) has been expertly photographed by local resident Bill Carver. 

“The scene depicted in this stained-glass window is a striking example of the skill and artistry of its Victorian creators,” said Bill.  “With vibrant colours, it has both seasonal relevance and allegorical significance that will appeal to Christians of all denominations.”

Tom, a long-standing Elgar Society member, from Illinois in the US, was delighted when his cards arrived.

“The cards are as exquisite as I had anticipated,” he said. “I look forward with delight to sending them to my friends and acquaintances.”

These comments were reiterated by Anne Albright in Worcestershire, who said that she thought that the context was lovely. 

“For without The Annunciation and Mary, Christmas would never have happened,” said Anne. “ She was the wisdom between the Old and the New Testament, John the Baptist and her Son.”