Weston-super-Mare’s Martin Townley, known as THE Father Christmas travelled to Ely, near Cambridge, for the annual Santa UK Convention recently.

The event is held in the Summer as obviously Santa is quite busy in December delivering all the presents.

As well as Professional Santas there are also Elves, Mrs Claus and even the Grinch.

Martin said "The Santa UK Convention is such a great event: the camaraderie is fantastic and we all share hints and tips with each other.

“Being Santa is such an honour and such a great responsibility that we all want to help each other give every child the best possible experience".

The Convention offers lectures in all things Santa related. Participants can learn key phrases in Makaton, so they can communicate with children and make the experience fully inclusive.

There were lectures from Professional Santas and Mrs Claus were flown in from America specifically for the convention.

This Christmas, Martin will once again be delighting children with Santa doorstep and home visits, as well as live zoom calls, and the very special 'Caught on Camera' and 'Sneak-a-Peak'.

"Being Santa is an absolute privilege. It's the best job in the world", Martin added.

“I have children coming up to me and saying 'wow you are the real Santa', and even parents say to me 'we really do believe now!'. You can't get much better than that!

You can find more information at www.THEfatherChristmas.co.uk.