FATHER Christmas ditched his traditional sleigh for a Puma HC2 helicopter yesterday as he made a flying visit to drop off presents to ill children.

Santa touched down in style on the helipad at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington that also serves the Oxford Children’s Hospital, as part of an annual training exercise organised by RAF Benson.

Accompanied by a host of RAF personnel, the festive visit brought smiles to the faces of children who will be spending Christmas on the wards.

Jill Huish, whose son Uriel met Santa, said: “It means so much that the RAF would take the time to come and do this for Uriel and all the kids on the ward.

"This kind of thing is so important when you’re in hospital over Christmas.”

Flt Lt Paul Mackay, a Puma pilot who organised the event, said he was 'thrilled' to take part.

He added: “Many of our families and friends have benefited from the fantastic care and support given by the hospital and its staff so we are delighted to be able to give something back."