Don't tell the children - one of Father Christmas's helpers is hanging up his sack and calling it a day.

For 21 years Russell Cottis has delighted thousands of children by pulling on his Santa outfit and big white beard so they can tell him what they hope to find in their Christmas stockings on the big day.

He tours Great Tey, near Colchester, in his homemade sleigh, visiting all the children in the village.

Over the years he has raised tens of thousands of pounds for children's charities. This will be his last year as Great Tey's Father Christmas and Russell admits he's going to miss it.

"When I go round the village the children can't believe Father Christmas knows all their names. It's magical to see the look on their faces."