SANTA Claus was coming to town… but there weren't any sleigh bells ringing!Instead of travelling by reindeer power, Father Christmas chose a different mode of transport this year.

By Amanda Cresswell

SANTA Claus was coming to town… but there weren't any sleigh bells ringing!

Instead of travelling by reindeer power, Father Christmas chose a different mode of transport this year.

He rode into town aboard a vintage fire engine provided by Ipswich Transport Museum, while a red vintage bus also took part in the procession.

Santa's helpers wore beautiful festive dresses borrowed from the Co-op Juniors – while Santa himself wore his famous red robes, of course!

The procession set off on a tour of the town, starting from the Ipswich and Norwich Co-op in Carr Street, and travelling through the main shopping streets, including Tacket Street, the Cornhill and the Buttermarket.

They then arrived back at the Co-op where Santa moved into his grotto, which this year is based around a forest of rhyme theme.

Youngsters waited eagerly to see Father Christmas.

Donna Page took along her children Chloe, aged five, and Ryan, 20 months, who could hardly wait to hear the cry: "Ho ho ho".

Her friend Hayley Macken was also there with her son Ryan, also 20 months. "The children have been looking forward to it," said Donna.

The Co-op grotto will be open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and also on late-night shopping nights and Sundays until half an hour before the store closes. Admission costs £1.50 including a gift from Santa, while accompanying adults are admitted free.