Families braved the windy weather to welcome Santa landing in a helicopter in Buckinghamshire.
Staff and parents from West Wycombe Preschool had organised an unforgettable surprise for pupils on Wednesday (December 20).
Father Christmas landed onto a field owned by Sir Edward Dashwood and Lady Dashwood in a two-person helicopter after a parent with links to HQ Aviation in Denham had organised the festive visit.
The deputy headteacher of West Wycombe Combined School David St Croix told the Free Press: “We’re a very small school, but we’re a small school with a big heart.
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“The main thing for us is to make sure we can give experiences to children who may not get that opportunity. We have got children who are part of deprivation and being here is a great opportunity for them to be able to see something they may not be able to see. And being able to offer that experience is great."
He praised reception year teacher Emily Steele for getting all the gifts ready and staff for being there on the first day of the holidays.
Emily said: “Majority of the children have no idea! It’s just an amazing opportunity. Most children will never see a helicopter land in front of them, let alone Father Christmas come out.
“Going to see Santa on a weekend can be £20 or £30 quite easily, especially if you’ve got multiple children and it can be so unaffordable, especially at this time of year.
“It’s amazing they can see it.”
Excited children waved at Santa when his helicopter approached before going to meet him on the field to greet Santa and receive a gift.
Parents said they were excited for the special landing, including the Preschool's manager Jo Brookfield with daughter Lyra.
“It’s very exciting. We’re telling the children the reindeers cannot come because they are resting and that’s why he’s coming in a helicopter.”
David also thanked the Walled Garden Café, who served the children and parents chocolate brownies.
He continued: “At this time, this is when parents struggle the most and being able to give them a free opportunity to go and see something they’d have had to pay for in other places it works. We’re giving back to our own community.
“When you’re a teacher you’re not just a teacher of the school but also of the community you’ve got to connect with.
“As a deputy head of a primary school education’s very important and that the children are learning, but experiences are really important too. As a school, we need to make sure the children are enjoying their time at the school and it’s a memorable time.”
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