Christchurch garden centre: Santa’s arrival

A fire engine was Santa?s chosen mode of transport when visiting a Christchurch garden centre on Saturday.

Stewarts Gardenlands welcomed the jolly fellow himself as he greeted children and their families in the lead-up to the festive period.

He made sure all eyes were indeed on the character in red as he turned up in a fire engine, provided by Wessex Fire Service, which had the blue flashing lights on and sirens blaring.

Father Christmas was also pleased to see two of his reindeer waiting to greet him, while two more of their reindeer friends are based at the Broomhill site.

Susie Stewart, co-owner of Stewarts Gardenlands, said: ?It was a fantastic day and we are very grateful to Wessex Fire Service for bringing the fire engine down, which children got to have a look around and learn more about it.

?We also had the Dorset Youth Marching Band, who are always excellent, and really kick off the Christmas event well for us.

?We really try to push the boat out for Santa as Christmas only comes around once a year and it is nice to see the children smiling.

?He will now be in the grotto for weekends only for the rest of November and from then on will be here every day.

?All proceeds from additional adults who visit the grotto will go to our chosen charity this year, which is the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, as well as the sale of badges for children who visit the reindeer.?