Father Christmas drew in the crowds and hundreds of pounds when he dropped from the sky to give dogs from an RSPCA rescue centre their treats at this year’s Christmas event.

The Santa drop raised £2,000 when he parachuted into the Block Fen Animal Centre in Wimblington, for the festive fundraiser.

The day, which proved to be the biggest winter fund raiser to date, drew in crowds who enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine along with the charity fund raising fun.

Kirstyn Gaunt, deputy manager at Block Fen, said: “We all know Father Christmas travels across the sky, but we don’t normally get to see him come down by parachute.”

Father Christmas arrived at the centre in the morning with a little help from the North London Parachute centre. He was then be on hand to meet children and pets and give them all their presents.

There were also carol singers, craft and gift stalls, face painting, games, several raffles and tombolas.