Santa ditched his sleigh to sail into Clacton on the town’s lifeboat yesterday.

East Anglian Daily Times: Santa arrives in Clacton by lifeboatSanta arrives in Clacton by lifeboat (Image: Archant)

More than 500 youngsters and their parents turned out to see Father Christmas as he arrived on the town’s RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat.

Santa delivered presents to youngsters during the free event at the lifeboat station in Martello Bay.

Steven Cole, chairman of Clacton RNLI’s fundraising group, said: “Despite the wet weather we had a great turnout, almost as many as last year’s record number.

“There was a big crowd along the seafront to watch Santa as he arrived on the lifeboat.

“He was met by the RNLI’s mascot Stormy Stan before handing presents out to youngsters.

“We do this as a thank you to everyone in the town for supporting the volunteer crew throughout the year and it is wonderful to see all the children enjoy the day.”