SANTA is working some busy shifts taking children's wish lists in the run-up to Christmas.

He arrived in a horsedrawn carriage at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar, where he has met thousands of children over the years.

The jolly old gent said: "Santa usually meets about 500 children over the six hours, so it's a long day, but brilliant."

The queue at the grotto was entertained by balloon-modelling comic Steve Ashcroft, and the St Peter's Church choir sang carols.