Smiles as Santa sets foot in city

THE festive spirit truly arrived in Worcester this weekend as Father Christmas came to town.

Hundreds of excited children lined the High Street yesterday to watch him parade through the city centre on a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by a band playing festive tunes.

The sounds of Jingle Bells and other festive delights were enjoyed by families and shoppers who had come along to see the big man.

Father Christmas then took part in a question-and-answer session in the CrownGate shopping centre for Classic Hits radio. Children called Santa with their Christmas requests.

Santa then set up camp at his grotto for the rest of the afternoon, where scores of youngsters came to see him and make their wishes.

Five-year-old Danielle Oakes, of Cambrai Drive, Norton, was among those lucky enough to speak to Father Christmas.

She said: "It was very exciting - I saw him last year at his grotto and this year I'm hoping to ask him for a Bratz doll."