A real reindeer arrived at an Ipswich training centre to join in Christmas celebrations.

The outdoor event at the New Skill Centre in Nacton Road was held to celebrate and show appreciation of all the day care clients.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mandie, Tasha and Lisa with Dancer the reindeer at the New Skill Centre in IpswichMandie, Tasha and Lisa with Dancer the reindeer at the New Skill Centre in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

Jo Kerley, director of the centre, run by the charity Inspiring Aspirations, said: "We asked people what they wanted, and they were joking, 'We want Rudolph!' We thought, we are going to make it happen."

East Anglian Daily Times: Sammy, Adam and Hannah with some of the woodworking creations they have made at the New Skill Centre in IpswichSammy, Adam and Hannah with some of the woodworking creations they have made at the New Skill Centre in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

She added: "We are so proud of all the clients have achieved. It's been a rough two years because of Covid and we wanted to give them a Christmas celebration."

East Anglian Daily Times: Mandie, Tasha and Lisa with Dancer the reindeer at the New Skill Centre in IpswichMandie, Tasha and Lisa with Dancer the reindeer at the New Skill Centre in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

Trainer Cliff Collins, of Cobweb Donkeys in Elmsett, brought the reindeer along to meet the centre members, and Santa also arrived.

The centre's day care and respite services are currently attended by people from 18 right up to 93 who have a disability, additional needs or need support.

East Anglian Daily Times: Adam meeting a reindeer at the New Skill Centre in Ipswich, with Cliff Collins of Cobweb DonkeysAdam meeting a reindeer at the New Skill Centre in Ipswich, with Cliff Collins of Cobweb Donkeys (Image: Archant)

The centre has its own art room and woodworking centre, and members have been making bird boxes and other wooden items for themselves and decorating them with wood burning.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hannah meets the reindeer at the New Skill Centre in IpswichHannah meets the reindeer at the New Skill Centre in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Meeting the reindeer at the New Skill Centre's Christmas celebration in IpswichMeeting the reindeer at the New Skill Centre's Christmas celebration in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Gary with reindeer handler Cliff Collins and Dancer the reindeer at the New Skill Centre in IpswichGary with reindeer handler Cliff Collins and Dancer the reindeer at the New Skill Centre in Ipswich (Image: Archant)