Father Christmas made his first visit of the year to Maidstone on Thursday.

Santa pulled up in his sleigh at Fremlin Walk as part of the shopping centre's Winter Wonderland procession.

He was joined by six-year-old Harvey Hamer, from Maidstone, who won a KM competition for a ride on the magical sleigh.

And he will be back in the town on Saturday.

Father Christmas will arrive at the Mall Chequers, Maidstone, at just before noon, and make his way through the Mall to his rightful place at the Christmas Grotto, accompanied by the cuddly pink Mall Monster.

He will be at the grotto, with his elves, until Christmas Eve, when he will have to leave to take his magic around the world.

The Mall has had a grotto for more than 10 years, which raises funds for charity each year, to date having raised more than £150,00 for local charities.

There will also be a Giving Tree at the Mall for the third year running, which helps give presents to under privileged children in Maidstone. Shoppers and local businesses are asked to buy an extra gift, attach a tag to the tree, and drop the present in at the Ask Me point next to Optical Express.

Entrance to the grotto costs £3 per child and includes a gift. For details call 01622 756866 or visit www.themall.co.uk