Father Christmas gave his sleigh the day off and arrived by helicopter to make a grand entrance at the opening of a garden centre grotto.

Santa takes to the air

He was greeted by hundreds of people as he flew into Yarnton Nurseries Garden Centre, in Sandy Lane, Yarnton.

Children queued to see him in his grotto, set up to help raise a target of £2,500 for Helen House in Oxford.

Other entertainment included Nigel the Clown and Christmas carols from Yarnton Silver Band.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto every weekend until Christmas, and from December 16 to December 20. Entrance is free.