A TEAM of five real reindeer took Father Christmas on a tour around a shopping centre.

The reindeer, which had come from the Cairngorms in Scotland, visited the Grove Centre in Witham on Saturday.

There were two parades, during which the reindeer took Father Christmas to his grotto where children were eagerly awaiting his arrival.

The reindeer were then kept in a stable where shoppers could visit them up close and find out more about them.

Wendy Harlow, centre manager, said it was a lovely experience for the children, who took a particular liking to the baby reindeer.

The Cairngorm Reindeer are annual visitors to the Grove Centre on the first Saturday in December.