Special guest at Cancer Research Uk xmas fair

"How did you get here?" he was asked by six year old Jacob Winchester.

"On my big wooden sleigh," came the answer, "It's on top of the building now - because that's where I park it. That's magic...High five!"

Santa also took time out to speak exclusively to the Observer: "I have got three words for you," he revealed, "Ho Ho Ho."

He admitted he is already "very busy" but he spent time talking to youngsters about what they hope for this Christmas while older visitors enjoyed the huge range of goods on offer at the stalls organised around the hall, as well as the festive atmosphere which made for an enjoyable and successful event.

Maureen Peskett, Carole Pinder and Pauline Mason reported a brisk trade at the bric-a-brac table, while volunteer Gill Miller commented: "It has been chocabloc here - we couldn't move."

Joyce and Derek Bendall were on the other side of the room looking after games and toys, as well as books.

The produce at the cake stall was as ever in great demand - so much so that everything was gone within an hour and volunteers were thrilled to raised 160 on that table alone. Sylvia Rossiter and Brian and Dizzie Collier were in charge of sales, items having been made and donated by many of the committee members.

Sylvia commented: "We are delighted."

Wyn Gray was running the raffle and said: "It is lovely - we have done ever so well."

Chairman Doris Boorman commented: "It looks as if it has gone very well - lots of people are here. We were inundated with people at the beginning with the raffle...I think it has gone very well. We usually have a very good atmosphere here, especially at Christmas. We have got a good following."

Beryl Burbidge organised the jewellery and toiletries sale and made an appeal for new items.

She said: "We are always in the market if people are throwing jewellery away - we are very keen to have it. All this on the stall has been given to us, and we have sold so much of it, so it would be nice to get some more to replenish our stocks."

Either phone Beryl on 01424 216879 and she will collect, or drop items into the Bexhill Observer office in Sackville Road.