A PAIR of Hampshire hospices welcomed a very special guest to help start their Christmas season.

Children, young adults and families visiting Naomi House and Jacksplace recently all gathered in the gardens to welcome Father Christmas who, assisted by pilots and members of the Gazelle Squadron Display Team, landed his helicopter on ‘Telly Tubby Hill’ at Naomi House.

Father Christmas descended the helicopter with a large sack of gifts and went to meet and greet the families.

Hampshire Chronicle: Father Christmas arriving at Naomi House and JacksplaceFather Christmas arriving at Naomi House and Jacksplace (Image: Jon Bolton, Charity Images)Everyone then gathered in the Naomi House grotto and every child and young adult was given an early Christmas gift and had the chance to meet Father Christmas. The jolly man then joined the families for festivities at Naomi House and tucked into homemade festive baked treats.

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Father Christmas said: “We love supporting Naomi House & Jacksplace every Christmas, it is a joy to visit the hospices and put a smile on the face of the children, parents and staff.

“Let there be love and joy for you all this Christmas and in 2024. Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!”

Hampshire Chronicle: Father Christmas met with several of the children who use Naomi House and JacksplaceFather Christmas met with several of the children who use Naomi House and Jacksplace (Image: Jon Bolton, Charity Images)Martin Walsh, head of marketing at Naomi House and Jacksplace, said: “This is one of our team's favourite days of the year, when the one and only Father Christmas visits Naomi House and Jacksplace in his remarkable helicopter.

“The joy this annual tradition brings to the hospices is truly magical. Thank you so much to Father Christmas and the Gazelle Squadron Display Team for making it happen.”

To see the full gallery of photos, click the picture at the top of the article.