IS it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Santa Claus!

Swapping his reindeers for a light aircraft, Father Christmas landed at RAF Church Fenton to deliver toys to 20 disabled children from the Peter Pan Playgroup, Sherburn-in-Elmet, who were enjoying their Christmas party.

Staff and students of the Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron organised the event, with presents donated by Christine Carrie, of local business Mytums.

The children were entertained for more than four hours with Christmas carols and a variety of party games.

Nursery manager Brenda Thornton said: "It was absolutely wonderful. The children loved it. A lot of them couldn't understand the concept of Santa in an aeroplane, but soon had a good chat to him when he was on the ground.

"The girls received dolls and the boys were given trucks."

selby@ycp.co.uk