Santa Claus will make an early appearance at a special fun day to raise funds for an 11 year old boy with a life limiting illness.

The Christmas themed event will take place this month at the Reindeer Centre in Betherden in honour of Draven Jefferies, from Hawkinge near Folkestone.

Draven was born with a serious condition called Tofs/Oa vacterl, which meant he was unable to swallow.

He had to undergo many operations and spent the first eight months of his life in a London hospital.

He was later, at the age of 15 months, diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) which has a dramatically shorter life expectancy and has so far already taken much of the schoolboy's mobility.

Friends and family are raising funds to be able to buy special equipment for Draven which is not available on the NHS.

They are now spreading the word about the summer Christmas Day special at The Reindeer Centre.

Organiser Sam Chalmers said: "Draven adores animals and adores Christmas.

"The Reindeer Centre offered to hold the event and it was Draven's idea to have the Christmas theme."

The day will include a Santa's Grotto, children's fancy dress competition, food and drinks, games such as Hook a Duck and Coconut Shire, a raffle, tombola and a bouncy castle.

Those attending will also be able to see all the animals at the centre, which includes reindeer, llamas, turkeys, chickens, wallabys and Shetland ponies.

Sam said: "It is going to be an amazing day. So much effort has gone into it, to make it a fun family day out for all the ages."

Sandra Fagg, owner of the Reindeer Centre, added: "A lot of people missed out on Christmas fun last year, so we want to make the day as good as possible.

"Everything is organised, we just need people. Everyone is invited.

"We're donating every penny to Draven's family. They need it so much."

The Christmas fun day will be held on Sunday, July 25 from 10am to 4pm.

Tickets cost £8 for adults and £5 for children, with under twos going free.

You can buy tickets on the door on the day, or book ahead here.

You can also make a donation here.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone