Children enjoy special flight with Father Christmas

Father Christmas treated the children to presents on the flight from Bristol Airport

Youngsters nominated by charities have joined schoolchildren on a memorable flight with Father Christmas.

Bristol Airport teamed up with airline Jet2 to take the children on a special one-hour flight where they could play games and meet Santa Claus.

The airport first started running the Santa Flight for poorly children and their families more than 30 years ago, but this was the first to take off since 2019.

"It was nice to be off the ground in the sunshine and think about something else and have a bit of hope for the future," said Theresa Peters, who was travelling with her son Henry after he was nominated by Weston Hospice.

Jet2 cabin crew dressed in festive attire for the flight

Ms Peters' husband and Henry's father Ian died of cancer earlier this year.

"He was such an amazing husband, father, brother and we miss him lots," she said.

"This is our first Christmas without him and we're trying to keep the festivities up.

"Weston Hospice have been supporting us with counselling and giving us the opportunity to come on trips like this."

Other charities that nominated families include the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, Children's Hospice South West and the British Heart Foundation.

Primary school children from villages close to the airport were also invited on the flight.

"Being invited along has been an extra special treat," said Katie, whose three-year-old daughter Athena is supported by the British Heart Foundation.

"I loved seeing Santa and going up so high," said Athena.

'Deserve to be treated'

Tracy Comer, Bristol Airport's community relations manager, said she was "thrilled" that the Santa Flight had returned for the first time since the Covid pandemic.

"This is such a special day for everyone involved and it's wonderful to be offering some very brave children a moment of fun this Christmas time and for them to be able to make special memories with their families and school friends."

Anna Perry, chief executive officer of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity said: "I can't think of a better way to kickstart Christmas for our former patients and their families who all deserve to be treated to something very special this holiday season."