WICKFORD shoppers were surprised to hear sleigh bells jingling and a troupe of reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh down the High Street.

Thanks to the Willows shopping centre, six reindeer - four adults and two calves - from the wintry wilds of the Cairngorms brought Christmas that little bit closer with a festive parade.

Helped by police officers, the less-cute cars and lorries halted to make way for the four-legged creatures which travelled to Santa's grotto in the centre.

Published Tuesday, December 6, 2005