SANTA gave his reindeer the day off when he swapped his sleigh for a lifeboat during a visit to Clacton.
The RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat picked up the special guest at 11am on Sunday before taking him to a grotto, which was set up in the station.
More than 100 children visited Santa and each was given a present during the two-hour free session.
The annual event has now been running for 12 years.
Steve Cole, part of the station’s fundraising committee, said: “It is a great day and everyone enjoys it.
“There were lots of excited children and smiley faces. It is a nice Christmas event.”
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