Yate Shopping Centre switched their Christmas lights on, live on Facebook last night and their CCTV caught a very special image on the footage.

Thousands of locals couldn’t believe their eyes as the shopping centre accidentally captured footage of Santa and his reindeer completing a test flight during the switch-on.

The annual light switch on and Christmas parades usually usually draw huge crowds but this year the team waited for the shops to close and went 'live' on Facebook so that people could enjoy the magic from the safely of their own homes.

James Murden hosted the virtual event, with one of Santa's elves, he said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes, we had heard rumours that Santa was testing his sleigh but we had no idea we’d capture it on camera!”

Centre manager Andrew Lowrey added: “Our Christmas events always draw a wonderful crowd but this year we had to think outside the box, we’re so thrilled to be able to spread a little festive cheer via Facebook.”

The Facebook live video has now had over 20,000 views.

This year Yate Shopping centre wont host a meet and greet with Santa in his grotto due to coronavirus restrictions, however, children can still enjoy a visit to the toy factory that is situated in the heart of the centre, where they can peek in the window and see the elves hard at work making toys.