FATHER Christmas managed to take time out of his busy schedule to meet some of the children in Ipplepen on Saturday.

Before he got into his winter wonderland grotto in the village hall, he took a ride on his float around the village, joined by the award-winning carnival float Yer Tis.

Around 85 children sat on his knee and received an early Christmas present.

Julie Eales, events organiser for the Ipplepen Carnival Club, said that despite the rainy weather, people lined the streets to watch the parade and get into the festive mood.

Money raised from the event will go back to the carnival club who use the money to help the village.

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