It’s that time of year in which we can’t help but see Santa Claus in almost every advert. But through the years we would likely see him in every department store we visited too.

With this in mind, the Daily Echo shares a selection of pictures of the jolly big man in Dorset through the years.

Each December, after almost 12 months of laying low, the sleigh is dusted off and the reindeer fed – Father Christmas has to get to various events and grottoes somehow.

Bournemouth Echo:

These pictures prove that he managed it and that once again, Santa Claus is coming to town!