Families gathered at a hospice to welcome a special visitor and enjoy an afternoon of tea and shopping.

St Luke’s Hospice, in Kenton Road, Harrow, welcomed the community to a ‘Tea with Santa’ event.

Children got the chance to meet and have their photo with Father Christmas as the hospice was transformed into a ‘festive wonderland’.

Kate Gammell, a supporter of St Luke’s, brought her three kids along to the event and said they had “the time of their lives”.

“They were so excited to meet Santa Claus and had been looking forward to it for weeks,” she said. “It’s great to be able to support our local hospice at such a fun and festive event.”

There was also a host of Christmas stalls full of gift ideas while visitors were treated to seasonal music throughout the day.

Jayna Patel, who organised the event, said: “We were thrilled to see so many families come along to support the hospice while also enjoying all things Christmas.

“Seeing the children’s faces light up when they saw Santa started the festive season perfectly for everyone.”