ATOP his Vespa GTS 300 IE, Father Christmas, with one of his trusty elves sat comfortably in the squire sidecar, made the journey to a local toddler and parents group to spread the festive cheer... and raise money for charity!

Father Christmas, otherwise known as, in this instance, Mike Fox, and his accompanying elf, or Sally Falcao to those in the know, travelled to St Mary’s Hall in Dawlish Warren to visit the Busy Bees parent and toddler group.

Mike and Sally brought the Christmas spirit to Busy Bees’ final session of the year, raising more than £100 for Rowcroft Hospice in the process.

‘Rowcroft Hospice is a cause close to my heart and I raise for them regularly’ Mike said.

‘There is £120 in the pot so far at the moment’ he added.

Mike and Sally travelled some six miles from Dawlish dressed in their festive outfits.

‘We ride out with the scooter and sidecar often as I have a scooter shop in Dawlish,’ Mike said.

It was the first outing for Mike’s current Vespa configuration.

‘I put it together with the squire sidecar very recently’ Mike said.

‘This morning [Monday, December 11] was its first trip out’ he added.

‘I have built others, but this one is the latest.

‘It has a music system built in and is all trimmed out in new carpet in martini spec’ Mike said.

A spokesperson for the Busy Bees said: ‘We hope you enjoyed the Christmas Party, thank you to everyone who joined us today and to everyone who has joined us throughout the year.

‘Thank you to Santa and his Elf and also to Merlin’s Magic for the amazing show as always!’