Some of Santa's trusty four-legged friends paid a visit to delighted shoppers in Norwich at the weekend.

Six-month-old reindeer Buddy, along with his mum and dad Angel and Star, and fellow reindeer Twilight, spent Saturday outside John Lewis in All Saints Green.

Families flocked to see the festive reindeers while also enjoying listening to the cheery voices of carol singers outside the store and tucking into mince pies. Judith Corder, from John Lewis, said the reindeers' visit was becoming a festive tradition at the store.

'It is always so popular. The magic of seeing the reindeers adds a little bit more sparkle to the Christmas season,' she said.

The reindeers' visit was part of a series of events organised by Norwichristmas to help the city get into the festive spirit. Richard Marks, general manager of John Lewis, said: 'We are delighted that this Norwichristmas event has taken place in All Saints Green. It's always a great draw for families.'

Tracey Chapman, 44, from Earlham Road, Norwich, was there with her sons Thomas, eight, and William, five, and she said the family loved coming to see the reindeers every year.

Thomas said he especially liked the reindeer with the biggest antlers, and William said he liked looking at the reindeers' faces.

Emma Curran-Sebastian, 35, from Kingsley Road, Norwich, and her daughter Katie, seven, also enjoyed seeing the reindeers. She said: 'It was a lovely surprise. It really helps everyone get into the spirit of Christmas.'

Katie said she was getting very excited about Christmas and that she thought the reindeers were beautiful and very fluffy.

The reindeers were visiting from their home at the Reindeer Centre in Ashford, Kent. photo: antony kelly