SANTA S arrival by helicopter at Otter Nurseries Garden Centre, Ottery St Mary, on Saturday, was thwarted by gale force winds.

SANTA'S arrival by helicopter at Otter Nurseries Garden Centre, Ottery St Mary, on Saturday, was thwarted by gale force winds.

But the crowd that braved the rain and winds were not let down by Father Christmas, whose arrival, in the original STARBUG-1 from BBC's Red Dwarf series, was out of this world.

The waiting crowd were entertained by Dani for Heart's radio breakfast show and panto characters from Exeter Little Theatre's production of Aladdin.

Barbie, in her pink convertible, also popped in to join the fun.

Among those enjoying the spectacle was Louise Worling and children Josh and Ruby from Clyst Honiton, who are regulars at the event.

Santa made his way through the crowd to take up his position in his Magical Wonderland where he will be from now until Christmas for children to visit on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays.