The magic of Christmas arrived early for one Moray youngster as she received a special surprise present directly from Santa.
Young Lucia Mitchell had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Father Christmas as he made his way through the streets of Elgin on a horse and carriage.
And when the procession reached her house, the five-year-old was given the present she had been wishing for the most.
Santa got off the carriage and after asking where Lucia was, proceeded to unveil a new bike for her from underneath a cloth.
The New Elgin Primary School pupil, who was wearing a special Christmas jumper and headband, immediately climbed on the pink bicycle that had colourful bows attached for the occasion.
She said: “It’s amazing. Pink is my favourite colour so it’s really nice. I’ve never met the real Santa before.”
The gift had been kept a secret from the youngster after her aunt had won the prize in a fundraising raffle.
Earlier in the evening, the youngster had been practising Christmas songs with neighbours in advance of Santa’s arrival.
When the horse and carriage pulled into the street all the youngsters began screaming and huddled around the carriage to have photos taken.
Lucia’s mum Laura Mitchell said: “It was such a surprise for her. She had a bike but had outgrown it and was needing a new one. Getting it from Santa like this with the horse and carriage and everything will make it extra special for her.”
Organisers of the Santa in the Streets parade collected nearly £800 to go towards Clic Sargent and the ARCHIE Foundation during the horse-led procession on Thursday, and said yesterday had been just as busy.
Birnie mum Yvonne Milton said: “Thursday was the busiest night we have ever had in the three years of running it. The horse and carriage has made it extra special and drawn a lot of people out.
“All the kids just love it and Santa has been having a great time waving to them all.”
