SANTA Claus has made an early visit to thank children at an Otley primary school.

Staff and children at The Whartons Primary have been supporting the Yorkshire Children’s Hospital Christmas Gift Appeal for the past three years.

The campaign, run by Otley fundraiser Mel Metcalfe, delivers hundreds of presents to children in local hospitals and hospices each December.

As a gesture of gratitude to The Whartons Mel organised a pre-Christmas visit by Santa last week where he took party in a special assembly.

Mel said: “This was a way of thanking the school for their continued support.

“Hopefully it will also inspire other schools to get involved and help next year.”

Mel started the appeal in 2012 and it is now supported by a network of local schools, shops, residents and firms who collect gifts to donate and act as drop-off points for donations.

Its aim is to deliver a present to any young person, aged ‘from zero to 18’, who has to spend Christmas in a local hospice or hospital.