Young carers jumped the gun and met Santa a fortnight before he jets around the globe.

A group of young carers from Redbridge got up close and personal with Father Christmas at the ‘North Pole’ courtesy of United Airlines last Tuesday.

Nine children and young people supported by Barnardo’s Wellbeing Hub in Ilford underwent an adventure alongside five other Barnardo’s services.

The adventure began with a breakfast at the Renaissance Hotel in Hounslow before the group of 82 young people in total were taken to London Heathrow’s terminal two to wait for the United Airlines Boeing 767-400 aircraft.

After an hour aboard the plane, the young people were encouraged to join Father Christmas and his elves at the 'North Pole’.

Barnardo’s parent Michael Ohemeng, who lives in Ilford and whose children, Sianie and Aidaen, took part in the experience, said: “Today has been the best thing ever for Sianie and Aidaen; to see so much happiness on their faces.

“They loved what United has done for them and we are really grateful to them and Barnardo’s. Without Barnardo’s we wouldn’t be here.”

Director of Barnardo’s in London Lynn Gradwell said: “We are so grateful to United Airlines for once again providing the most incredible festive experience.

“The ability to fly and enjoy a short break is something that many of us take for granted, but for our children and families life does not always provide such opportunities.

“To fly away and meet Father Christmas is something most of us will have dreamed about when we were young and United has made that dream come true for these children and their families.”

Bob Schumacher, managing director sales UK and Ireland for United Airlines, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to support the invaluable work of Barnardo’s here in the U.K. for the second year running and bring some festive cheer to so many children.

“I am also proud of our London Heathrow employees who have volunteered their time to staff, fund and build this special Fantasy Flight event, giving children a day to remember.”

The initiative has run in the US for more than 25 years, but it is only the second time United Airlines has run the initiative with Barnardo’s in the UK.