Excited children were treated to an early visit from Santa when he flew in to see youngsters at a hospice.

Multiflight and Leeds Bradford Airport joined forces to bring Father Christmas to Martin House Children’s Hospice. Also in the helicopter with Santa were Yorkshire cricketers Ryan Sidebottom and Jack Brooks, who helped deliver presents to the youngsters.

Staff and passengers at Leeds Bradford Airport donated Christmas gifts for the children and their siblings. Santa also had an extra special gift in his sack – a donation of £1,000 from Leeds Bradford Airport’s annual coin collection to Martin House Hospice, as one of their chosen charities.

Sheila O’Leary, head of care at Martin House Children’s Hospice, said: “Some of the children are too poorly or find it difficult to see Santa in his grotto and it is lovely to be able to bring Santa to them and for them to experience this memorable event. We want to say a big thank you to everyone involved.”

The hospice, which is based in Boston Spa, near Wetherby, cares for children and young people from Yorkshire and needs to raise £4.5 million each year.

Visit martinhouse.org.uk for more information about the hospice or to make a donation.