CHILDREN at Liphook Infant School were eagerly awaiting their special Christmas treat at the end of term – a visit by Father Christmas, who handed out heavy sacks of presents to all 270 pupils.

The visit marked 42 years since the tradition began. Over the years, Santa has used different modes of transport to get from his home in Lapland to the school, including a pony and trap, a steam engine, a motorbike, an open top sports car, a sledge, a fireplace and chimney breast and a Vintage Austin 10 motorcar.

This year, after leaving his reindeers behind to graze at Bohunt Centre, he made the short trip in a World War II open top Jeep.

As a special treat children sang some of their favourite songs including ‘A Star’, ‘This Way to Bethlehem’, ‘A Baby is Going to be Born} and everyone’s favourites, ‘Little Donkey,’ ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas.’

After reminding the children to leave out carrots for the reindeers and mince pies on Christmas Eve, Santa made his way back to his Lapland home, in preparation of his busiest time of the year.