FATHER Christmas helped turn a Worcester shopping centre into a winter wonderland as he arrived in style aboard his sleigh.

The singing Santa caused a big stir at CrownGate Shopping Centre following a parade through Worcester High Street on Sunday as part of the Christmas in Worcester lunch weekend.

Towed along in a Free Radio sleigh, singing along to music provided by the Jazz Ramblers, Father Christmas delighted children who came to the event bearing gifts and letters for the big man.

There were also guest appearances from two of Father Christmas’ reindeer, Prancer and Dancer as visitors took the the chance to feed the animals.

Over the festive period, Father Christmas and his Elf will be performing the story of The Nutcracker on Thursdays (12pm-7pm) and Fridays to Sundays (12pm-5.30pm), between December 22 and 23 (noon-5.30pm) and Christmas Eve (11am-2pm), from his grotto by Ryman and Mothercare.

Visitors can also see the 15 giant Nutcrackers, positioned around Friary Walk and Chapel Walk at CrownGate.

Each Nutcracker sports their very own moustache with a challenge set to locate all the different moustaches and learn the names of each one.

Free Nutcracker books are available to children which can be collected from Friary Walk at CrownGate all day, every day.

CrownGate marketing manager, Sara Matthews said: “We are delighted to welcome back our gentle giants to the shopping centre again this year.

"They were such a great attraction last year that it’s great to give people the opportunity to see them again and for children to see how much they’ve grown next to the Nutcrackers.

"Christmas at CrownGate launches during ‘Movember’, so we would love to see photos of the public with a Nutcracker that matches their own moustache.

"As well as photos of family, friends and children alongside our nutcrackers."

There is also the opportunity to win a Kindle Fire HD, supplied by Ryman Stationery, plus £250 to spend at CrownGate Shopping Centre, for the best #NutcrackerSelfie.

All you need to do is take a photo of you with a Nutcracker and share it on the CrownGate Facebook page.

CrownGate is working in partnership with Worcester BID, Worcester City Council, Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, Free Radio and First Group, enabling these Christmas events and activities to be offered free of charge.