THERE was no sign of his traditional reindeer or a shining nose to guide the way.

But that didn’t stop Santa Claus dropping in on children at a Test Valley school after swapping his sleigh for a helicopter.

Scores of excited youngsters gathered in the playground at Wallop Primary School as Father Christmas touched down on the playing fields in a chopper.

Pupils from all year groups including the pre-school stared into the skies in wonderment before letting out cheers of joy as the squirrel helicopter from Middle Wallop made its landing on Wednesday.

The children joined Santa in renditions of traditional Christmas songs Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, before he asked pupils what they wanted him to bring on the big day.

Two pupils from each class were then chosen to receive a present of sweets from Santa to dish out among their classmates.

Father Christmas has been visiting the school for more than a decade, as a number of children come from service families or have other close connections with the army camp.

Finance admin officer at Wallop Primary School, Pamela Cook, said: “It was a fantastic morning which all the children really enjoyed and it kept the excitement going all day.

“They were all really excited and happy and are looking forward to seeing Father Christmas at their homes.”

Following Santa’s visit the younger children put on an afternoon show of Nativity Rocks, before pupils in later year groups took to the stage in the evening for an Armistice-themed Christmas carol concert.