Santa's little helpers help

Irongate Kindergarten children had a special treat recently at Stock Road Christmas Trees when they went there to pick their tree for the festive season.

Company owner Wayne McNeill really turned it on for the 37 3- to 5-year-olds by dressing up as Santa and handing out lollipops on Friday.

He was continuing what has become an annual custom in which various kindergartens visit him to collect their Christmas tree.

Head teacher Raewyn Read-Eden said the visit to Stock Road had become something of a tradition.

"We've been going out to them for three years now," she said.

"They're very hospitable people and it's a lovely excursion for us."

Mr McNeill, who has owned the business for 18 years, said the kindergarten visits started a few years ago when a teacher asked if she could bring the children out.

Although the children always believed he was Santa, they did ask why he was wearing gumboots.

"You've got to be a bit awake because some of them can be quite savvy as to what is going on."