CHRISTMAS will arrive just a bit early on Saturday, when an old chap in a sleigh with wheels on rolls up at Webbs Garden Centre at Wychbold, near Droitwich.

Executive chairman Ed Webb said: “It’s such a magical sight to see Father Christmas arrive on a sleigh with his reindeer. Reindeer are central to the idea of Christmas and this will be a great chance for our customers to see these magnificent animals up close. We always get a great turn out to welcome them and are looking forward to seeing lots of visitors again this year.”

Father Christmas is due to arrive at 10am and crowds are expected to turn out to welcome him. Visitors will be able to meet the friendly reindeer until 4pm. There is no charge for the event. Once he has decanted from the sleigh, Father Christmas will be meeting children in his Christmas Grotto. Youngsters can enter the Winter Wonderland and see the animated elves in their workshop before meeting Father Christmas. They will then enter the toy warehouse and choose their own gift. The grotto will be open from Saturday, November 15 until Christmas Eve on varying dates and times. Ticket price is £7 per child which includes one accompanying adult and a free gift worth £5. Booking in advance for the grotto this Saturday is essential and is recommended for other dates. Bookings can be made in-store or online at www.webbs.co.uk