A RIFT in the fabric of time and space is normally the stuff of science fiction, but All Saints Parish Church has one as part of its Christmas Tree Festival — taking visitors back to a certain stable in Bethlehem in time for the big day.

The Rev Stephen Cook said: 'Not many people know about the time vortex in our north porch of All Saints.

'It is a well guarded secret and we usually keep it safely locked, but this year we are opening it up to enable people to make a very unusual journey.

'It is quite safe as long as you have an experienced engineer to hand, and all our guides have advanced degrees in astrophysics.'

Visitors to the church can take a short walk from the north entrance to the Bethlehem stable where Jesus was born, then home in time for tea. The inspiration for the vortex came from the 50th anniversary celebrations of Doctor Who, but the church guarantees there are no Daleks, Cybermen or other monsters in sights.

Mr Cook added: 'Christmas is such a wonderful time, we thought we would add to the magic this year by creating what we hope will be a memory that will last.

'It's a long way to Bethlehem and time travel is hard, but all things are possible with a bit of imagination.

'This year we are again holding our Christmas Tree Festival on the weekend of December 14 and 15, and the vortex will be open on the Sunday afternoon.'

The time machine to Bethlehem will be operating from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, December 15 as part of the tree festival, with family carols at 4pm and again on Christmas Eve from 3pm to 5pm, with a crib service at 4pm.

All events are free and open to everyone.