The nearest reindeer were in Scandinavia when Santa popped into the Christmas party at Birkby Infant and Junior School in December 1985.

So he had to improvise. Kirklees education welfare officer Pat Jones lent her pony – and a few branches did duty as antlers and the fair impression of ‘Rudolph’ was complete.

Father Christmas handed presents to 330 children aged between three and seven. And there was more more magic with a conjuror and games.