FATHER Christmas and his elves charmed families for the annual Christmas in the Park event at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

Around 1,000 children have booked their places at the nine-day event which includes a festive nature trail, tractor ride and children’s craft sessions, before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto for gifts.

The annual event is one of the most popular at Hampshire County Council’s largest country park, with all sessions fully booked up to and including the final day on Friday (December 23) for the two-hour event.

The country park has also sold more than 1,500 Christmas trees, but a few trees are still available to buy from the park until Friday.

Anyone who would like more information about Queen Elizabeth Country Park should call 023 9259 5040, e-mail [email protected] or visit www3.hants.gov.uk/qecp