Staff and patients at North Walsham hospital welcomed some special Christmas guests, but rather than arriving on a sleigh pulled by reindeers their visitors opted for a less traditional mode of festive transport.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norfolk Vintage and Classic Tractor Club arrive at North Walsham Hospital .The Norfolk Vintage and Classic Tractor Club arrive at North Walsham Hospital . (Image: Copyright © Keith Whitmore)

This year, Santa's duties were taken on by Norfolk Vintage and Classic Tractor Club, who travelled to the community hospital from their base at Bacton, as part of their second annual Sleigh Run.

A convoy of six vintage tractors drove to the hospital - which is run by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust - to give presents to the staff and patients.

Dr Stuart Davidson, a club member and GP at Birchwood Medical Practice in the town, came up with the idea of visiting the hospital.

He said: 'As a GP, I am familiar with the hospital so suggested we should visit and thought it would be a nice thing to do in the run up to Christmas.

'We hold a variety of fundraising events throughout the year and used some of the money we raised to buy the presents. We hope that everyone enjoyed the visit as much as we did.'

Ward sister Liz Sargent said: 'The tractor club's visit was fantastic fun for our staff and patients alike, and we're really grateful they took the time to come along and deliver presents in such a unique way.'