CHRISTMAS officially arrived in The Malls shopping centre in Basingstoke when Santa and his reindeer paid a visit.

The herd travelled all the way from the Cairngorms in Scotland to Basingstoke, where they took part in a festive parade, pulling Father Christmas on his sleigh, as the bells around their bodies jingled.

Christmas tunes blasted out of loud speakers, putting everyone in the festive spirit, as shoppers admired the reindeer, which came from a herd of 150 that live in the mountains.

The Cairngorm reindeer are Britain’s only herd, and are found free ranging in the Scottish highlands, where visitors can go to see them.

The event raised funds for Shopmob-ility Basingstoke, and volunteers from the charity were collecting spare change in buckets, dressed up as characters including a Christmas tree.

Children also had the chance to give a letter directly to Father Christmas or his helper.

Sue Harris, property administrator at The Malls, said: “It was probably the best turn-out we have ever had, even though the weather was pretty bad. The public all said what a lovely event it was and the reindeer behaved themselves! It was just a really good fun, traditional day.”

Various other characters also took part in the parade, including two giant Emperor penguins, who wandered around The Malls meeting shoppers.