A Dutch club in Stockholm which holds a Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet party for expat children every year has changed the plan following protests from Sweden’s Afro-Swedish National Association.

The association wrote to the Dutch embassy in Stockholm earlier the month, outlining its objections to the planned event, The Local reported on Monday.

Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet had been due to arrive at the embassy following a public  boat ride.

‘We respect the feelings and opinions of different groups…and will not portray Piet as a black painted helper anymore,’ The Local quoted the club as saying.

‘He will look a little different, maybe have a different colour on the face. I do not really know. It is difficult to change the celebration entirely,’ Frank Schipper, a spokesman for the embassy told the website.