Video: Audi saves the day at Leeds Martin House children’s hospice

But the arrival of Santa Claus didn’t exactly go to plan. He was due to be flown in on a Multiflight helicopter from Leeds Bradford Airport, but the poor weather conditions meant the flight had to be cancelled.

Fortunately help was on hand from Audi Leeds, who stepped in at the last minute to ensure the children didn’t miss out on meeting Santa and receiving presents provided by Monarch Airline.

Rather than landing at the hospice in a helicopter, Santa and his elves cruised up in a modern Audi S3 Cabriolet, driven by corporate account manager Richard McClay.

He said: “We received a call from Martin House asking for assistance. We were delighted to help. It’s an unbelievable cause.

“The kids had an amazing reaction when we drove up. It was just like a Christmas film.”

Carol Devine, marketing manager at Martin House, said: “We have a lot of poorly children who knew Santa was coming and the main aim was getting him here. No one wanted to hear the news this morning, but Audi saved the day.

“It was a wonderful experience for the children.”

A statement from Multiflight, who have provided the Christmas helicopter flight for the past five years, said: “Thick fog meant the helicopter was grounded, but all parties were determined not to disappoint the children, families and hospice and, so rather than fly Santa there, he was driven instead.

“There was a massive crowd waiting to welcome Santa and his helper and the visit was a huge success. A big thank you goes to everyone involved; it was brilliant how everyone pulled together to make the day happen.”