Father Christmas gave his reindeer a much needed rest as he helicoptered in to St Francis' School to collect the pupils' Christmas lists.

Every child in the school was out in the playground, waiting excitedly as an RNAS Culdrose helicopter landed on the playing field and the jolly red figure stepped out.

Vanessa Farnell, acting head teacher, said: “”The children are very excited, they have all written letters to Father Christmas that we have delivered. He is going to fly away with the letters.

“It's quite good timing because we have got our Christmas performance next week and our fair on Friday, so it's fitting in with them.”

The visit was the first time Santa has arrived at St Francis' by helicopter, and staff tried to keep it a secret for the children.

Miss Farnell said: “We kept it a surprise, the children didn't know Santa was going to come today.”

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet: