The Santa Special train ran throughout the day and after entering his grotto there was a present for each child and a glass of mulled wine for every adult.

Visitors could also meet inflatable snowmen and reindeer in the stables at the Pinewood Leisure Centre, in Old Wokingham Road.

Secretary Paul Konig said it had proved a very popular day.

He said: “It was good – we were sold out and it’s a nice way to do something different for people.

“We try not to make it too commercial and we’re a group of volunteers.

“It’s very relaxed and informal so the kids get to see Father Christmas for quite a while and the parents are not in a rush to take a photo.”