CHRISTMAS shoppers in The Malls were thrilled to see some unusual guests with furry noses.

Six reindeer in a large pen attracted hundreds of visitors of all ages between 11am and 4pm on Sunday, November 27.

The animals, from the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland, were fed and petted by some of the visitors, under the supervision of staff who travelled with the reindeer and two ‘elves’ from The Malls.

Lisa Norris was at the event with her two children, Simon, 11, and Josh, six.

The 46-year-old administrator, from Cliddesden Lane, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, said: “I didn’t even know that there were reindeer here today – we had just come to do a bit of Christmas shopping.

“I’ve never seen a reindeer before in real life and neither have the kids, and it’s good to have something a bit different to get everyone in the mood for Christmas.”

Paul Littlehales, shopping centre manager for The Malls, said the annual event is always a big draw for visitors.

Mr Littlehales, who organised the event, said: “We always have a huge crowd. It’s is a great way to get in the mood for the Christmas season. We always have a lot of letters from people asking when the reindeer will be coming and a lot of feedback saying how much visitors enjoy seeing them.”

He explained that the reindeer from the herd of around 150 in the Cairngorms are taken to events all over the UK, particularly at Christmas time.