FATHER Christmas was on hand to assist represents of the Lord of the Manor Newton Abbot Keith Stokes-Smith to give out early gifts to lucky local youngsters earlier this month.

Keith, the 43rd holder of the title the Lordship of the Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot has carried on the tradition of the Yuletide gifting of toys, along with gifts delivered to 10 random homes in the Newton Abbot area, for several decades now.

Two of the first in line for in line for an early Christmas surprise were Amber and Savannah McDermot.. They are pictured here with Borough crier Evelyn Davies and escort Michael Davies, plus the main man himself -Father Christmas.