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Santa takes to skies to visit children in hospital

BBC Father Christmas walking away from the helicopter down a tarmac path, with green grass either side of him. The sky is grey and cloudy, but his festive outfit stands out against the backdrop.BBC
Father Christmas said the helicopter was not as fast as his usual sleigh

Father Christmas took to the skies in a helicopter to deliver gifts to children in hospital in Telford.

Despite saying the aircraft was not as fast his sleigh, Santa still made a dramatic entrance at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH), in one of RAF Shawbury's Juno helicopters.

He also made fly-by waves to local primary schools on his way to Telford, leaning out of the aircraft to greet them.

Sqn Ldr Tim Mason said it was a "privilege" to make sure Santa reached his destination in one of their helicopters.

Father Christmas stood in front of the Women and Children's Centre at the Princess Royal Hospital. Stood next to him are his 'elves', who are wearing Christmas jumpers and army fatigues.
Father Christmas said he is a big fan of Shropshire

Father Christmas described his helicopter trip as "amazing," adding that "the boys and girls at RAF Shawbury always do an amazing job, and [this] was no exception."

He was however, "disappointed" that the helicopter wasn't as fast as his sleigh.

"I love Telford, I love everywhere in Shropshire, but I have to cover such a large area at Christmas it's very difficult to spend any time in one place - so today I'm very lucky," Santa added.

Tim is looking into the camera, you can just about see the helipad behind him. To his right is a red and white sign with a picture of a helicopter on it, the sign reads 'active helipad please keep off.'
Squadron Leader Tim Mason said the day was a 'privilege' for the base

He also had some "elves" from RAF Shawbury to help him hand out presents to the children on the wards.

Sqn Ldr Mason said the day was "a great privilege" for the base.

"We were asked by Santa whether we would give him a lift over the top of Shropshire, to wave at the primary schools on his way to the PRH here in Telford," he said.

"We've got a few volunteers, some young officers and NCOs who have volunteered to carry [Father Christmas'] presents around for him, so he doesn't have too much work to do!"

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