SAUL is celebrating Christmas was a "Santa cruise" this weekend.

Instead of the traditional fairs and markets, visitors to the Saul Junction can meet Santa Claus on a trip down the canal.

The Cotswold Canals Trust runs the Santa cruises on the picturesque Gloucester to Sharpness Canal. The magic of Christmas is brought alive as the man of the moment hands out presents to all young passengers taking the 20-minute voyage on the trust's weatherproof trip boat, Perseverance, operating from the Saul Junction Heritage Centre.

Refreshments are served in the heritage centre after all cruises.

Santa will be cruising up and down the canal this Saturday and Sunday (10am).