SANTA left his elves in charge of present wrapping at the North Pole so he could make an early appearance in Pewsey on Saturday.

He stopped off at the Bouverie Hall as part of the Christmas fair and coffee morning, organised by Carol Parsons in aid of Prospect Hospice.

Youngsters were greeted by Father Christmas in his mini grotto, as well as a smiley elf and there were stalls from jewellery, wreaths, scarves and painting so people could pick up Christmas presents.

In total £428 was raised for the charity, which has recently opened a new eight-room outreach centre and includes a therapy room, courtyard and day hospice group room at Savernake Hospital in Marlborough.

Mrs Parsons said: “It went well, we were slightly down on numbers compared to last year but we were very pleased.

“It was a lovely atmosphere and lots of people commented on how nice the atmosphere was which was really nice.

“Mike Kennedy, who is the Prospect Hospice community fundraiser for the area, came over and supported us and was the elf and the money is going to the charity which is a great cause, especially as they have just opened the Savernake unit.”