Ho ho ho: Santa flies into town |
Excited children flocked to Hounslow and Feltham town centres this week to greet Santa Claus and kick off the Christmas festivities.
A cold snap failed to deter youngsters eager to catch their first glimpse of Father Christmas, who arrived at the Treaty Centre in Hounslow on a sleigh pulled by six miniature Shetland ponies. The crowd paid a £1 donation to meet Santa - the proceeds of which will be donated to Children in Need.
Centre manager Robin Arbenz said: "The event was a roaring success and the Shetland ponies proved to be very popular. "We had a town crier and lots of kids had their picture taken with Father Christmas.
£500 has been made from the sale of the photos which will go to Children in Need."
In Feltham shoppers were treated to some Christmas carols by the Longford School choir, while juggling elf and stilt walkers braved the cold to keep them aused with their antics.
Santa continues to welcome boys and girls at his grottos in both towns, and still has another guest appearance to make.
He will arrive in style in a vintage car at garden centres Syon Park and Osterley on Saturday, November 24.
Santa will appear at the Wyevale Garden Centres at noon and 1pm respectively in a 1930's London taxi, which will be featured in a BBC documentary to be aired later this season.
Carol Coupe, manager at Wyevale Garden Centre in Osterley sadi: "He has decided this year to swap Rudolf, Donner, Blitzen and the other reindeer for a |
