RESIDENTS of a Sidcup care home got a seasonal surprise as Santa brought a friend along to visit them.

Frognal House played host to a pair of charity fundraisers dressed as Father Christmas and one of his elves.

Leon Palmer played Santa and Mawson ‘Chip’ Chipchase his little helper as they raised money for a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society.

The duo visited all 27 Sunrise Senior Living homes in the UK over 48 hours on December 5 and 6 in preparation for their August 2013 adventure.

Chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society Jeremy Hughes said: "We are delighted that Leon and Chip are giving their time to support the Alzheimer’s Society.

"With one in three people over 65 dying with dementia and the disease affecting old and young alike, we rely on the generosity of people like Leon and Chip to continue our vital work of support and research."