ALMOST 2,500 people visited Tockington last Sunday to meet Santa at the Old Down County Park Christmas launch party.

Santa arrived in true West Country style, trading in his sleigh and reindeer for a tractor, with his elves all arriving on segways.

Visitors were treated throughout the festive-themed day with a German Christmas market, carol singing, gingerbread icing and a hog roast.

Plenty was on offer to keep the younger visitors entertained, with trips to Santa’s grotto and story time with the elves, who were all played by students from The Castle School.

A Christmas trail around the Country Park was also enjoyed by plenty of children and parents.

“The day was a great success with much more people attending than we anticipated,” said Holly Gardner from the Old Down Estate.

“It was great to see so many happy children watching Santa arrive on his tractor and his littles helpers on Segway’s.

“We had hundreds of children take part in the Christmas activities we had on offer and many ended the day by drinking hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows round the camp fire.

“The homemade wooden Christmas decorations gave our park a real traditional feel along with our enchanted fairy garden that led children to see Santa in our yurt made up to look like Santa’s own living room.

“We heard lots of our visitors saying it really got them in the Christmas spirit and they had a magical family fun day.

“Not only did they have fun, but we also enjoyed running the event so much that next year we will be hosting it over two days, on November 25-26.”

Santa’s grotto will be open every weekend until Christmas for children and their families to come and visit with their wish lists.