Haverhill shoppers meet up with Father Christmas

Smiles were brought to many a child - and many an adult - when Santa and his elves turned up with their sleigh at Queens Square in Haverhill.

The colourful entourage - all members of the Haverhill Lions - have spent much of the last two Saturday's in the square, greeting families.

With the Lions' usual annual grotto not being held at Sturmer Nurseries this year, the Queens Square arrangement with resident traders was made to give children an opportunity to meet Santa and receive a sweet treat and pose for a photo with the 'team'.

A bucket collection also brought in about £230,which will be donated to REACH Community Projects.

Grentham Rush, of the Haverhill Lions, said: "Everyone enjoyed themselves and its all good fun.

"The children came down just to say hello to Santa and have a chat and it put some smiles on some little faces - and some big faces when it came to it."