FAMILIES enjoyed a Christmas event as the festive period arrived in Basildon.

Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon held the event with plenty of family fun.

Youngsters got to meet the big man himself, Father Christmas and his reindeer.

Six-year-old Sapphire Baker and four-year-old Ryan Neil had the ride of a lifetime in Santa’s sleigh thanks to the shopping centre.

Sapphire and Ryan won a Facebook competition run by the shopping centre to meet Father Christmas and his beautiful Cairngorm reindeer and ride in his sleigh.

The youngsters also helped Santa open his grotto after the sleigh ride.

Santa’s magnificent Cairngorm reindeers were on display in the South Gunnels and there was a host of fantastic festive entertainment in Eastgate for shoppers to enjoy. Families met the Elvish Pressies, a pair of Elvis impersonating elves on dodgem cars, and the Christmas Nutkins, two charming giant squirrels.

Eastgate’s favourite octogenarians Granny Turismo made a welcome return to to entertain the crowds with their fantastic shopping trolley dance routines.

There was live festive music from vintage singing trio The Lollipops outside Ernest Jones. Stiltwalking Christmas trees and a duo of bouncy reindeers made appearances on the day.

Eastgate manager, Ian Clark said: “It was wonderful to welcome Santa and his reindeer to Eastgate and we’re delighted that Sapphire and Ryan could join us. It’s been a busy start to our festive season with lots of great entertainment for our shoppers to enjoy.”

The grotto will be open every day through to Christmas Eve and tickets are free. Check www.eastgateshoppingcentre.co.uk for opening hours.