Santa arrives at Baughurst pet shop

With real reindeer, Cracker - courtesy of Animal Dramatics in Aldermaston - to feed and pet, and refreshments including mince pies, sausage rolls and crisps, the fun packed festivities proved a hit:
“It’s our way of saying thankyou to our customers,” said owner, Andrew Green, adding Santa was sure to return to the shop next year.
Bowled over mothers included Vanessa Tolson, who afterwards gave Mr Green a hand-made thankyou card, promptly put on display in the shop window.
The card’s message said the Christmas event had made a lot of children very happy, with lots of positive comments posted on the Tadley mothers’ Facebook page.
Five winners of a children’s colouring competition, chosen by Santa, included Isabel Thorne, aged seven, her sister, Gabriella Thorne, aged five, also brother and sister, Matthew Croshaw, aged five and Emily Croshaw, aged eight, along with Josh Kalro, aged six.
“We had over 25 entrants and the entries have been displayed on the stairs of the pet shop,” added Mr Green.
The pet shop has staged and run the seasonal community event seven times in the last ten years.