SANTA will be making appearances on the canal in Swindon during his hectic Christmas schedule.

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is hosting the trips beginning at the Wichelstowe Waitrose throughout the festive season.

During the journeys, families board the Dragonfly boat and travel up and down the restored section of the canal.

Halfway through the trip Santa boards the boat and hands out gifts to all of the children.

Chris Barry, who runs the boat trips, said: “We like taking people up and down the canal because it’s a pleasurable experience.

“We like to think that bringing Santa along provides a different kind of experience and it’s good fun all round.

“Normally we get fully booked by the time it reaches December and we’re already have bookings now.

“The atmosphere on the boats is very jolly, not just because Santa is there but because we give the adults a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine!

“Of course we charge more than usual but we believe it’s worth the money.”

To find out more about the Santa trips visit wbct.org.uk