Santa was met with applause in Crossgates on Saturday night when he made a visit.

The event, organised by the Crossgates Gala Committee, was a roaring success as residents braved the cold to see Santa and his elves.

Jim Patterson, the treasurer of the committee, said: “The turnout was amazing, everyone was cheering in their gardens, young and old.

“Santa’s sleigh was fully decorated and brought cheer to everyone. We handed out 300 selection boxes to kids as we passed. We also dropped into the care home and handed over sweets, lots of the residents came to their windows to see."

A tractor, driven by committee supporter Duncan Collier, stood in for Rudolph and dragged the sleigh round Crossgates for three and a half hours.

Jim said: “I want to say a huge thanks to Duncan who made the event possible for the gala committee. He also sat in the sleigh as a senior elf and took photos with the local kids. The reception was fantastic; it was a brilliant night and cheered everyone up."