SANTA Claus has given his team of elves a break this year by recruiting a new set of helpers to spread Christmas spirit in Southampton.

His new mode of transport is red enough to put Rudolph's nose in the shade.

Fire crews at the city's Hightown station have turned the building into a winter wonderland to give youngsters a festive treat.

During their breaks at work, they have created a gigantic grotto for children to meet Santa in the run-up to December 25.

Firefighters will be welcoming kids inside over the next two Saturdays and will also have the station's fire engines on display.

Leading firefighter Rob Burns said: "We've been doing this for about ten years now.

"We used to hold Christmas parties here for children and we set up a grotto as well, which just sort of took over after that.

"This year Marwell Zoo has donated us some animated toys so it should be really good.

"We have made the grotto over two floors so it does look impressive.

"We organise this every year because we are a community fire station and it's a nice thing for the children in the area."

Fire safety experts will also be at the station to give advice to families.

Firefighter Burns said: "We hope to have a fire safety unit on both the days and will be talking about things like smoke alarms.

"They don't cost much money and at the end of the day if people have got a spare fiver, they make a good stocking filler."