FATHER Christmas was seen flying over Oxfordshire... but not on his usual transport. 

Instead of a sleigh pulled by reindeer, however, Santa boarded a Puma helicopter from RAF Benson, near Wallingford, during a training flight over south Oxfordshire.

The helicopter visited Aureus Primary School in Didcot and Fir Tree Junior School in Wallingford, and a handful over the border in Buckinghamshire, dropping off educational challenges to encourage pupils to study science.

The challenges are a fun way for children to get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); they range from assembling a gingerbread fighter jet to making paper chains based on a binary code.

Base spokeswoman Nikki Hamilton said: "Santa kindly agreed to help RAF Benson to deliver the STEM Christmas Challenge to a number of primary schools close to the military base."

During the flight the crew and Kris Kringle visited 16 schools, and Mr Kringle was able to wave to the children through the side door.

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The manoeuvres of the day were conducted to help people get into the holiday spirit while encouraging an interest in STEM from a young age. 

Group Captain Nick Paton, station commander at RAF Benson, said: “Helping Santa to deliver STEM Christmas Challenges to schools has been one of the highlights of the year for many of the team involved. 

“It’s been fantastic to see the smiles on the faces of so many young people and spread a little festive spirit. We’re looking forward to seeing the results of the challenges, especially the Gingerbread Eurofighter, which looks delicious!”

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