TRADITIONALLY he flies by sleigh, but Santa showed his modern side when he dropped in to deliver presents by helicopter.

With the help of the Royal Air Force, Santa landed at St Augustine's Primary School, Pendlebury, then took gifts to patients at nearby Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

The RAF say Santa wanted to give his reindeer a rest to keep them on top form for Christmas Eve - just 11 days away .

The pilots were happy to divert the search-and-rescue Sea King helicopter from its base at RAF Valley, Anglesey, to drop off sacks full of presents.

Sgt Chris Hinchcliffe, from the armed forces careers office, said: "As the helicopter landed at St Augustine's the side door was open and Father Christmas was waving. The children were screaming their heads off.

"He was with his elves and it was wonderful to see the children's faces light up when they walked in to the hospital."

Santa then flew on with the RAF to deliver presents to kids at Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool.

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