On his way to visit Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Manchester, he also stopped by to visit Manchester Academy.

He was delivering Christmas presents in an RAF Griffin helicopter alongside his elves from the RAF Careers offices in Liverpool. Flight Lieutenant, Ed Stephens, from the Royal Air Force Outreach Team said: "Our aim is to help raise morale amongst the children in hospitals over the Christmas period by delivering Christmas presents in a way only the Royal Air Force can. The presents and hospital donations are raised throughout the year by the RAF team. All monies raised will be split between the two hospitals to buy the presents and hopefully buy a much needed piece of equipment for the wards.”

Angela Harris, head of children’s services at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, added, “Our young patients really enjoy the chance to have a word with Father Christmas, and the gifts he brings. With the generous support of the RAF they really do spread Christmas cheer and brighten up the day.”

Before proceeding to the hospitals to deliver Christmas presents around the wards, Santa Claus flew to Manchester Academy where he was greeted by our excited Year 7 students as well as some pupils from our nearby local primary schools.