SANTA swapped reindeer power for horsepower when he visited a local school.

Children at The Manor Farm Pre-School in Hazlemere got a shock when, instead of pulling up in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, he turned up in a police panda car.

And instead of bringing some elves with him he brought WPC Ali Gaffney, from Hazlemere police, who drove him to the school with full sirens and lights blazing.

The strange transport was designed to be a break from the norm and something different for the schoolchildren to enjoy.

Lynn Thomas, chairman of Manor Farm Pre-School Fundraising Committee, said the school felt it would be interesting to have Santa riding with the police.

She added: "We asked the local police station if they could provide someone to drive Father Christmas to the school and they said yes.

"We just thought that it would be something unusual and different for the children.

"We organised it in advance so we had all the children out in the school garden when Santa turned up in the police car with all the lights flashing and sirens going.

"The kids loved it and WPC Gaffney came in with Santa and stayed for a short while."

WPC Gaffney did not give the kids a lecture on the law, but was on hand to see all Santa's presents got to the school children safely.

The visit was part of the school's Christmas Fair, which boasted attractions including stalls, games and face painting.

The day raised £1,000 for the school, which is a charity and depends on fundraising and generous donations to survive.

Funds will be used to buy equipment and other items.