A mystery man dressed as Santa Claus was spotted driving about the Suffolk countryside on a tractor sprinkled with tinsel.
The agricultural enthusiast turned out to be Farmer Christmas who was on his annual rounds delivering presents to two local primary schools.
The man guilty of kindness was John Attridge, a lecturer from Suffolk New College’s Suffolk Rural campus in Otley.
He was joined by two elf helpers, Penny Rudland and Luke Penning, who work in the marketing department at the college.
They visited Witnesham and Otley primary schools where they high-fived children from seven class groups while also handing out festive gifts.
The college first started its present giving drive in 2005 when staff visited the nursery in Otley. The member of staff then departed the college for a new job before Mr Attridge took on Farmer Christmas duties in 2016.
Mr Attridge said: “It is a joy and pleasure to try and bring a bit of festive fun to the local community. From my point of view, as a passionate agriculturalist, if we encourage one of the children to think about a career in farming, then even better.”
One of the students from Witnesham was Isaac, who said: “I want to be a farmer. It was great to meet Farmer Christmas.”
Ms Rudland from the college played the naughty elf character. The school liaison officer said: “This, without doubt, is the highlight of my year. The children are a joy.”
Hannah Evans, the executive headteacher at Witnesham and Otley primary schools, said: “The children always look forward to this visit. It really helps kickstart Christmas for us all. Thanks to the college for all their support.”
In the future, the college hopes to invite some youngsters to the college for a look around its facilities - which include a revamped animal studies centre that houses alpacas, capybaras and meerkats.
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