A FESTIVE figure has been spotted out and about around Swindon this week.

Santa Claus is searching for his sleigh and has delighted children and adults alike by smiling and waving at them as he wanders for miles through the town.

So far, he has visited the Magic Roundabout, Old Town, Gorse Hill and gone further afield to Royal Wootton Bassett, and rumour has it he'll be popping over to Cricklade, Pinehurst and Wroughton in the near future.

The jolly Christmas icon hopes to spread a bit of cheer at the end of a difficult year and will continue his travels throughout the month right up until Christmas Eve.

His Swindon representative Gary Read from Old Walcot works for an IT company during the day and arranges Santa's trips in the mornings and evenings.

The 38-year-old was thrilled with people's reactions to seeing jolly old Saint Nick strolling down the street.

He said: “There have been lorry drivers tooting their horns as they go past, builders shouting ‘Morning Santa!’ with a laugh, police flashing their sirens, and hundreds of children cheering and waving out of school windows, which is lovely.

“It’s made everyone so happy, that's all I wanted to do because it's been a tough year for everyone. People have got in touch saying they spotted Santa and that it made their day.

"I've had requests for visits to schools - not inside, for safety reasons, just for Santa to walk outside so children can see him - and to friends and family.

"It's just nice to put a smile on people's faces, it's very gratifying.

"I've had a few personal challenges this year that I've had to overcome and doing this has helped me recover from that."

Gary lives with his wife and four children, who were surprised but delighted to see Santa suddenly appear on their doorstep earlier this week.

He revealed the reason for the North Pole resident's visit and added: "It's not for charity or fundraising, just for fun. Happiness doesn't cost a thing and a smile is priceless.

"I used to work for another IT company that put a virtual grotto together so that the children who were staying in hospital over Christmas could see and speak to Santa using an iPad, so he already knew me through that.

"I would love to find the sleigh by Christmas Eve, that would be the icing on the cake.

Visit Swindon Santa on Facebook to find out where he’ll be popping up next, watch clips of previous appearances, request a visit or help him reunite with his lost sleigh.