Father Christmas rode into Eastbourne early for the first of three festive-themed weekends.

Children were overjoyed when Santa arrived with his reindeer yesterday to tunes from the Eastbourne Scottish Pipe Band.

Music, games and competitions were held in the shopping precinct in Terminus Road as the Wealden Brass band performed at the railway station.

The next cracker weekend will be this Saturday and Sunday, followed by the final one on December 14 and 15.