HO, ho, ho ... help!

Santa's reindeer left him in the lurch when they abandoned him on a church roof, leaving firemen to come to the rescue.

It was a dramatic entrance for Father Christmas when he appeared on top of the Rock Church in Priory Street - and a crowd of hundreds turned out to watch.

But York Fire Station's white watch were on hand to bring the kindly red-clad figure down to earth in their giant turntable ladder, and he was soon safely installed in his new grotto in the Rock-Plex Centre.

Church helpers have created a sparkling Santa's winter wonderland for children and their parents to enjoy.

A grotto is normally installed there for members of the church's Stepping Stones parents and toddlers group, but this year the festive treat is being opened to the public for the first time.

Maggie Farrimond, church member and business manager, said members and volunteers for the church had been planning the grotto for up to a year. She said this week's launch had been a "tremendous success", with nearly 100 children taken to see Santa.

Next week, special needs youngsters from York are being taken to visit the grotto, which includes a winding, white walkway complete with twinkling lights and even a group of snowy polar bears.

More youngsters were due to enjoy meeting Santa today. It will now be open for the next two Saturdays, December 10 and 17, and on December 19, 20 and 21, from 10am to 4pm each day.

Tickets are available on the door. They can also be bought by phoning 01904 659475 - but the church is not able to take telephone bookings for the same day.

Updated: 09:33 Saturday, December 03, 2005