FLYING thousands of miles around the world can be very hard work for Santa's reindeer, so the Royal Navy has come to the rescue and given them a day off.

A team of sailors have hauled Santa's sleigh from the gates of HMS Collingwood in Newgate Lane, Fareham, into Crofton, where he will visit as many homes in the area as possible in the run-up to Christmas as well as offering sleigh rides.

Santa, also known as Crofton Lions Club president Danny Brooks, was waved off by the Mayor and Mayoress of Fareham Councillor David Swanbrow and his wife Jane.