Santa soars over North Devon in his Sea King helicopter to spread festive cheer

Santa has completed his morning tour of North Devon on board an iconic Sea King helicopter to spread festive cheer to local youngsters and their families.

The popular Santa flight Christmas tradition from Historic Helicopters saw the big man in red soar above numerous communities in North Devon and Somerset, making sure to pass local schools enroute.

After taking off from the vintage helicopter charity’s base at Chard in Somerset early today (Friday, December 19), the bright yellow search and rescue helicopter made its way across Devon to Little Bridge House in Fremington, home of Children’s Hospice South West.

Above: Santa and his elf come bearing gifts to Little Bridge House. Credit: AW Photographic

There Santa and his elf helper met children from the hospice, their families and siblings plus hospice staff and handed out plenty of presents.

Above: Santa and his elvish helper meet families and children at Children’s Hospice South West. Credit: AW Photographic

Then it was on to North Devon District Hospital where Santa and his Santa and his elves delivered a sack full of Christmas presents for poorly children on the Caroline Thorpe Ward.

Above: Santa’s Sea King after landing at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple. Credit: Royal Devon Hospitals Charity

He also handed gifts to bereaved siblings Cleo, Herbie and Sidney Prideaux from Ilfracombe before heading out west towards Braunton and the former RAF Chivenor, once home to the now decommissioned search and rescue helicopter.

The helicopter then followed the coastline, passing over Saunton, Croyde, Woolacombe, Ilfracombe and Lynton before making its way back to Somerset.

Royal Devon Hospitals Charity marketing and communications officer Andy Keeble said: “Hospital donations come in all shapes and sizes and we gratefully receive them in so many different ways but it’s always very special to see Father Christmas deliver them in a Sea King helicopter!

“Thank you to Historic Helicopters and the Caroline Thorpe children’s ward team for making the magic happen and delighting so many staff and patients at the hospital.”

Speaking to the North Devon Gazette yesterday (Thursday) Chris Page MBE from Historic Helicopters said: “When you have children who unfortunately won’t be able to be home at Christmas and are really poorly, just being able to bring a little smile to their faces is something that anyone would want to do.

“We are passionate about aviation and this is a tradition that has been going on for many years and we want to keep that going.

“The gifts we take are generously donated by Andrew Whitehouse, the owner, but also Ministry of Defence employees and employees at Leonardo Helicopters – we are very grateful to all of them for their support.”

Above: The visitors offer comfort at North Devon District Hospital. Credit: Royal Devon Hospitals Charity

It is the sixth year the charity has carried out the Santa flight but when Sea Kings were based at Chivenor as part of 22 Squadron Search and Rescue, it was an annual event eagerly awaited by people of all ages in North Devon.

The charity was set up in 2013 to preserve, restore and run a fleet of vintage military helicopters and Chris explained why they felt it was important to continue the Christmas fly past tradition.

The event and maintaining the charity would not be possible without public donations and anyone who would like to support it can do so at https://www.historichelicopters.com/donate