Santa Claus ditched his reindeer in favour of a crane when he made an early appearance in Gravesend.

The man in red appeared floating in a sleigh over the Gravesend Boat pub in Leander Drive on Saturday (December 19).

News Shopper:

Santa ditches Rudolph for a crane to help him fly over Gravesend

Delighted families looked-on as Father Christmas flew in with the help of a crane provided by Liftec Crane Hire Ltd.

TOP STORIES:

He then handed out gifts to stunned youngsters.

News Shopper:

Father Christmas over the Gravesend Boat pub

The event was held as part of a fundraising effort for St Aiden's Church in St Gregory's Crescent.