Smiling Santa, happy elves and delighted spectators watched with festive joy as Christmas came to Brantham last night.

Youngsters squealed with joy as the traditional sleigh slowly made its way around the village.

Each year the event raises around £3,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Brantham council chairman and Babergh district councillor Alastair McCraw said: "Can't say too much in praise for a now much copied event all over the country."

The event is understood to have started around 20 years going with Trott Ward walking around in Santa's costume ringing a bell and shaking bucket.