CHILDREN were filled with excitement as reindeers arrived at a Colchester garden centre.

Fillpots Garden Centre, in Boxted, hosted their second Meet Santa's Reindeer event over the weekend.

The free event gives families the opportunity to interact with reindeers in the build up to Christmas.

Excitement - there are three opportunities to see the beautiful reindeerExcitement - there are three opportunities to see the beautiful reindeer (Image: STEVE BRADING) Friends - one of the reindeer looking to make some friendsFriends - one of the reindeer looking to make some friends (Image: STEVE BRADING) Another option for guests is having their picture taken in the sleigh.

Feeding - one of the reindeer kindly receives a carrotFeeding - one of the reindeer kindly receives a carrot (Image: STEVE BRADING) Together - the two reindeerTogether - the two reindeer (Image: STEVE BRADING) The reindeer can be seen between the hours of 11am until 3pm.

Adorable - Ellery Lock, four months old, with her mum ChloeAdorable - Ellery Lock, four months old, with her mum Chloe (Image: STEVE BRADING) A final event is taking place on Sunday December 22.

Attention - many gather round one of the reindeerAttention - many gather round one of the reindeer (Image: STEVE BRADING) Happy - Jacob Renshaw, 4, tries some antlers for sizeHappy - Jacob Renshaw, 4, tries some antlers for size (Image: STEVE BRADING) Their reindeer sit in a high-welfare DEFRA approved environment, with donations to WWF encouraged.

Keeper - one of the reindeer beside a keeperKeeper - one of the reindeer beside a keeper (Image: STEVE BRADING) Chilling - one of the reindeer laying down inside the penChilling - one of the reindeer laying down inside the pen (Image: STEVE BRADING) The centre also has a café which offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and cake options.

Ready - one boy feeding the reindeerReady - one boy feeding the reindeer (Image: STEVE BRADING)