THE weather may have been cold and miserable, when we arrived at Gulliver's World, but the excitement from my three-year-old daughter Megan was providing a warm glow.

She was going to meet Father Christmas and the worst weather in the world wouldn't spoil her fun.

My sister and I were taking Megan, to meet Santa at the Warrington theme park's "Christmas Experience".

After filing through the entrance we headed towards some of the kiddies' rides close by.

Megan chose the Pink Elephant and after my sister got the hang of controlling the ride they proceeded to fly up and down and round and round and round, a successful first ride but, due to the rain, a wet pair of trousers in the process.

We needed to stay close by the entrance so we could see the Gully Mouse Snow Time Live Show, which was booked for 4.45pm, so we watched the lighting of the Christmas Tree Lights by Gully Mouse.

There was plenty of singing dancing and even an artificial snow shower -- Megan was most impressed.

This show was in the dining area, a good opportunity to grab a bite to eat.

We found a table and made ourselves comfortable while we waited for everybody to be seated and the show to start, the perfect opportunity to take a few snaps.

The show started and it is a colourful Christmas tale including Gully Mouse and some very brightly coloured characters -- well worth watching.

Food was served during the show -- a festive turkey and stuffing barm cake and chips with orange cordial for the kids and coffee for the adults. Sweets consisted of ice cream for the little ones and a mince pie for the adults and, with a full tum and feeling slightly warmer, we ventured back into the park. With just over an hour to go before we were to take the Santa Express to see Father Christmas, we ventured further into the park.

Megan found the Merry Go Round Horses over the bridge and a face painting shop where she chose a very pink Barbie face.

Feeling a little chilly, we headed back to the entrance to wait for our express train to the Winter Wonderland and Santa.

We joined the Gully Gang before jumping on the train for some dancing and singing.

Megan really liked Gully Mouse and spent the rest of the time following her around and holding tight onto her hand.

The short train journey took us to our final destination.

We stepped off our carriage and into a building filled with Christmas trees, lights and winter settings including a huge bear asleep in the woods.

There was a cat orchestra, penguins and polar bears in the snow and, of course, the man himself -- Father Christmas.

The children's eyes lit up with joy.

The sound of excited youngsters echoed around the room and at the end of our walk through the Winter Wonderland we arrived at the grotto to join the queue to meet Santa, armed with Megan's Christmas present wish list.

Megan, who had been looking forward to this moment since arriving, suddenly became very shy. The prospect of meeting the man himself overwhelmed her somewhat and she would not even have her photograph taken with him.

We came out of the grotto and Megan was given the opportunity to pick a gift from Father Christmas.

She chose a lovely make-up set which will no doubt end up smeared all over the living room, but she was happy with her choice.

We jumped on the Santa Express for a short ride back to the entrance.

The day was very enjoyable and Megan loved everything-- except the stuffing on the turkey barmcake -- but there is no pleasing everyone!.

It was a shame about the weather. It was very wet and cold, but Megan loved the day in spite of this.

She was so excited that she didn't notice the unpleasant conditions.

All I can say is to make sure you wrap up warm!

FACTFILE

Gulliver's World has over 60 attractions

It is split into seven different themed areas

The park is open daily throughout June, July and August from 10.30am and on selected days in September and October. December sees the Christmas special

Admission for adults and children over 90cms is £6.80. Children under 90cms go free.

CONTACT: 01925 444888

HOW TO GET THERE

From the M62 take the exit at Junction 9 and follow the signposts. Gullivers World is well signposted from many areas