HUNDREDS of knitted angels are waiting to find a new home in time for Christmas.

Around 750 knitted angels were hidden across Southampton last week by members of the three churches within the North Stoneham and Bassett Parish.

The majority of the angels were placed outside All Saints, St Michael’s and St Nicolas churches last week, with some near Southampton Sports Centre.

The Right Rev Sheena Williams, rector of the North Stoneham and Bassett Parish, spearheaded the festive initiative.

She said: "We started this in Easter. We had some knitted Easter eggs which we put in a basket and placed outside the churches. They were gone in a matter of days. It was just us saying to people ‘we’re still here’ and to bring joy into people’s lives.

"A few months ago, a colleague of mine and I asked if people in our congregation who knit can make some angels for people to find, and we ended up with at least 750 angels.

"The angels are so lovely and I was really thrilled to see appreciation for them on Facebook and that people are enjoying them."

The angels are free to take home and include information about the parish's Christmas services.

But you will have to be quick if you want an angel, as most of them have already been snapped up by passers-by.

Rev Williams said: "Once the angels are gone, they’re gone. We wanted to get them out there a little bit before Christmas.

"When we planned this, we did not realise how uncertain things would be this Christmas, but it’s a way of spreading Christmas cheer.

"I think with all the uncertainty we’re facing yet again, it’s nice to see people enjoying our angels, and we have had a few messages saying thank you. It’s brought a lot of joy to people."