Santa flies in for Hope House Hospice visit

Father Christmas swopped his traditional reindeer and sleigh for a helicopter as he flew in to spread some Yuletide cheer among the children and staff at a Shropshire hospice.

Santa Claus found time in his busy pre-Christmas schedule to pay a flying visit to the children and staff of Hope House, at Morda, near Oswestry.

He flew in by helicopter with help from his friends at RAF Shawbury.

Lieutenant Will Robley and Flight Lieutenant Ryan Beynon, of the Central Flying School (Helicopter) Squadron CFS(H), arrived with Santa to deliver early Christmas presents to the youngsters.

Squadron Leader Mike Jordan, Officer Commanding CFS (H), said: "Hope House children's hospices provide practical and emotional support to families facing the pain of losing their precious child."

He added: "Hope House is the charity that CFS (H) Squadron has chosen to support over a number of years and we undertake a number of fundraising efforts throughout the year in order to bring in ever needed funds for the hospices, one of which is in Oswestry and the other in North Wales.

"The helicopter was met by a number of the children currently resident at the hospice and their staff helpers.

"The grins on all their faces were evidence enough of their excitement.

"This very humbling, but incredibly worthwhile visit just goes to show that a little effort makes a huge difference to the Hope House children," Squadron Leader Jordan added.