FATHER Christmas travelled in style when he paid a visit to Upton-upon-Severn on Saturday and made a tour of the town, giving out goodie bags to the children.

His transport, courtesy of Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue, was a boat on a trailer pulled by a Land Rover, decorated to look like a reindeer-drawn sleigh.

Christmas music and flashing lights heralded the arrival of the Santa-mobile as it was driven through the residential streets.

"The children turned out to see what was going on and it took two hours to get around the town," said chairman of MISAR David Walker.

"It was so successful, we shall probably do it again next year."

Meanwhile, Upton Mayor John Thompson and Jackie Surtees were touring the town's shops to judge the decorated window competition.

The title of Best Dressed Window goes to the Launderette, New Street, Best Illuminated Window to the Bell House, New Street and highly commended for originality is Frames and Blinds, Old Street.

Trophies will be presented to the winners before tonight's town council meeting in the Memorial Hall.