ANXIOUS shoppers young and old held their breath when Father Christmas arrived in Bolton to start handing out festive joy and gifts to the town's children.

For Santa Claus found himself caught up in an evil plot hatched by the Snow Queen as he made his way to Crompton Place Shopping Centre.

The Queen, with her two evil elves, escorted Santa to his throne at the shopping centre and threatened to hijack proceedings before he could take up residence on his throne.

But good eventually prevailed, the Snow Queen was put in her place, and a variety of fun and games were enjoyed by everyone at the shopping centre. Free reindeer hats and gift bags were also handed out throughout the day.

Santa's action-packed arrival was due to the appearance of the Bolton Octagon cast who will be on stage from December 6 in the Christmas production of The Snow Queen.

Santa is now happily installed in his rightful place and shoppers can visit him from Tuesday to Sunday for a free gift bag.

Karen Wheeldon, of the Bolton Town Centre Company, said: "We have endeavoured to organise joint promotional activities with each of our company members and it is good to see the Octagon and Crompton Place working closely together to promote the town over Christmas."