The grave of Father Christmas has been discovered in Turkey

Archaeologists believe that they have uncovered the tomb of St Nicholas - the inspiration for Santa Claus - in the remains of an ancient Christian Orthodox church that was lost as sea levels rose back in the Middle Ages.

St Nicholas died 1,600 years ago at the age of 73 after being famed for generosity during his life. He had given away the money he inherited from his wealthy parents to the poor.

Osman Eravsar, head of the cultural heritage preservation board in Antalya, said: "The first church was submerged with the rise of the Mediterranean Sea and some centuries later, a new church was built above.

"Now we have reached the remains of the first church and the floor on which Nicholas stepped."

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