QUESTION: Where does Santa Claus go on holiday to avoid the cold and snow while at the same time helping a local charity?

Answer: Blackpool of course!

The kindly old man came to town to deliver presents for needy children and, while he was here, decided to help raise cash for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

But disaster can strike in the strangest of circumstances, and Santa was left fuming after Ernie the Elf wrapped the presents but forgot to label which were for boys and which for girls!

Anyone who saw a bearded man lurking around Blackpool Airport carrying a sackful of suspicious looking packages can relax -- it was just Santa with his helpers. Elaine Fossett, deputy director of fundraising for the Macmillan Appeal, explained how Santa took all the presents to scan them through the X-ray machine, which is normally reserved for checking hand luggage for potentially dangerous or suspicious looking items.

She said: "It was the only way to find out which presents were which! Santa was going to leave them here for Christmas, but silly Ernie made a mess of things. Thank goodness Blackpool Airport helped us out!"

Elaine originally had the idea to invite Santa after speaking to charity worker Stanley Craig, who did the same thing in the past for the Sue Ryder charity.

She went on to say that Santa attended a variety of public engagements during his stay in Blackpool. He helped to judge the Miss Blackpool competition, visited the Tower, and roared with laughter at the Hale and Pace show. An appearance at Stanley Park's family fun day was on the agenda along with a visit to Woolworths in Fleetwood to meet children. Throughout his time here Santa was accompanied by helpers collecting for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

Elaine Fossett said: "Santa had a great time on holiday in Blackpool, and helped raise lots of money for the appeal. He can't wait to return to the resort on December 24, but of course then he'll be here on business."

Pictured here l-r are information desk assistant Marilyn Phillips, Santa, and security officer Phil Mumby X-raying the presents.