Santa swaps sleigh for helicopter

Father Christmas is to swap his sleigh for a helicopter to visit sick children on the wards of hospitals in Liverpool and Manchester.

Santa Claus will deliver presents in an RAF Puma to patients at Alder Hey and Royal Manchester children's hospitals on Tuesday.

He will also visit children at St Augustine's Primary School, next to the Manchester hospital.

The visit has been organised by the RAF Careers Information Service.

"Our aim is to raise morale amongst some very sick children by delivering Christmas presents in an exciting style," said Flt Lt Suzanne Scott.

"This is the second year we have arranged this event and last year's was a resounding success, bringing a smile to many sick children's faces."