THERE is an air of excitement at Studley Garden Centre, as a very special visitor made his way there to meet lucky children.

Santa touched down at the Henley Road-based centre recently, and will be in his grotto to greet youngsters from 11am until 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and Monday, December 23, and on Christmas Eve from 11am until 1pm.

Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa and Tinsel the elf and tell him their last-minute present requests before Christmas Day.

There’ll be even more excitement at the centre from Saturday, December 21 until Christmas Eve as Father Christmas’ festive friends, his real reindeer, will be joining him.

Rudolph and his reindeer companions will be available to visit from 11am until 3pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, December 21, 22 and 23, and from 11am until 1pm on Christmas Eve.

Visits to see both Santa and his reindeer are completely free of charge.

Chief executive, Boyd Douglas Davies, said: “We are delighted that Santa has found time in his busy schedule to visit the children - and adults - at Studley Garden Centre. It’s a really fun festive experience that we hope will bring some Christmas spirit to all this year.”

"The reindeer are always incredibly popular with our visitors of all ages, making Christmas truly magical. “After meeting the visitors from the North Pole, families can finish off their festive day out by enjoying a tasty treat at our on-site café before they stock up on those last minute Christmas essentials and goodies at the garden centre."

For more information about the centre, visit studleygardencentre.co.uk or call 01527 852266.