Santa arrives in North Devon… but by helicopter

Santa made an unforgettable entrance into North Devon this morning, arriving at Little Bridge House in a Westland HAR3 XZ588 Sea King helicopter, previously used for RAF search and rescue missions.

Little Bridge House is one of the hospices operated by Children's Hospice South West.

Austin Wallas, who took pictures of the event, told the Gazette: "Families with their children, along with the care team, volunteers, and hospice staff, were excited to see Santa and his elf deliver some festive joy to Little Bridge House this morning."

ABOVE: Santa makes an appearance at the hospice. Credit: AW Photographic

This visit marked a special occasion, as it was the first time the Sea King XZ588 helicopter had landed at Little Bridge House. 

Previously painted in the iconic green and white livery of Marine One, the helicopter made a memorable appearance in the TV series The Diplomat.

The helicopter, with the callsign G-SEAK, is owned by Historic Helicopters of Chard and was flown in by Jane Gregory. 

She is believed to be the only female civilian pilot in the world with a Sea King type rating. Joining Santa on the flight was Dave Wells, an ex-RAF Chivenor flight engineer and mechanic who lives locally.

ABOVE: Dave Wells and Santa give a smile. Credit: AW Photographic

The sight of the festive helicopter and Santa’s arrival brought joy to all, spreading Christmas magic to Little Bridge House and its residents.