Father Christmas to visit Hull's St Stephen's shopping centre on Saturday

HE HAS been busy gearing up for the big night on Christmas Eve.

This time of year is one of the most hectic for Father Christmas and his elves.

But thanks to all the children in Hull and the East Riding who pledged their belief in him, Santa is visiting the region.

He has taken time out of his busy schedule to meet all his friends in the city on Saturday.

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He decided to come after so many of you registered as part of the Mail's I Believe Christmas campaign.

Santa and two of his reindeer will arrive at St Stephen's shopping centre at 11am on Saturday.

Centre manager Jim Harris said: "Christmas can sometimes get a little bit commercial.

"We are all under a lot of pressure to make things happen and to spend lots of money.

"But this is about bringing us back to what Christmas really means.

"It is a special time to be with your family and focus on the children."

Santa will arrive, fresh from the North Pole, at 11am, entering the centre at the Park Street side.

Santa, his sleigh and reindeer will then lead a procession through the centre, waving to shoppers as they go, until they reach the canopy outside the centre in Ferensway.

His two reindeer will then be put in a special pen where children can see them and take photographs. Santa's helpers will give out candy canes and Christmas sweets to all his young friends.

Children from schools across the city will give choir performances, including Hymers College Choir, who will start their performance at 1pm.

The festivities will last until 3pm – giving families plenty of time to see Santa and his reindeer and grab all those Christmas bargains.

Mr Harris said: "Santa's visit has been the culmination of the Mail's I Believe campaign, which has encouraged people to shop locally this Christmas.

"I think it has given Hull a major boost and is a great idea for the city."

Although this is the first time reindeer have been in the centre, there have been other live animals who have paid a visit to St Stephen's.

Mr Harris said: "In summer 2010 we had a children's zoo, so we're not exactly unfamiliar with animals in the centre.

"This is the first time we'll have had reindeer though we might have to have a special pooper-scooper on standby!"

Although Santa has promised to come visit us on Saturday, you can still register your belief in him.

Extra pledges of belief will let Santa know lots of children in Hull still believe in him and want him to come and see them in their home city.

Visit www.thisishull.co.uk/christmas to register your belief in Santa or send a letter to the Editor saying how much you believe in Santa.

Follow the I Believe campaign on Twitter @HullBelieves

See your messages in our I Believe supplement: Inside today