No one is above the law when it comes to parking in Stowmarket - even if your transport relies on reindeer power rather than horsepower!

MID SUFFOLK: No one is above the law when it comes to parking in Stowmarket - even if your transport relies on reindeer power rather than horsepower!

Santa and his famous reindeer arrived in the town to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of a popular town centre florist.

Edelweiss opened its doors to the public in December 1969 after Isabel Wilton took over the running of the store.

Forty years on, Mrs Wilton is still in charge at the site and has thanked her dedicated team and the support of the community for the shop's continued success.

To celebrate the landmark, Santa and six reindeer arrived in the town's Market Place, to the delight of many schoolchildren.

But first he had to make sure he got his pay and display ticket for the sleigh!

Mrs Wilton, 64, said: “We've always gone out of our way to do what people want us to do and we have done so many very, very special things over the years.

“I have tremendous support from the staff. The flower business is a very instant on and 'tomorrow won't do' - it has to be done on the day.

“We thought the visit from Santa and the reindeer would be something the children could enjoy and we had lots of them come along.”