IT'S beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

Well, it certainly is at Thornton Hall Country Park with the launch of a new festive attraction.

While it's not quite away in a manger, head on down to the farm at Thornton-in-Craven for a packed programme of Christmas capers as your services are required to help save the festive season from the dastardly deeds of a particularly mischievous elf.

Wrap up warm to be greeted by Mrs Claus for a welcome drink of hot chocolate (or mulled wine for the adults) before you head off for the start of the festive fun.

Children get to write their letter to Santa, design a magic key so he can deliver their Christmas presents and make a bag of sparkling reindeer dust. More about that later!

Next up on the magical mystery tour is an interactive choreographed show as a good fairy does her best to get Christmas back on track after a jealous elf locks Santa up so he can take his place. Audience participation is not an option... including those adults trying to hide at the back!

Next it's time to hop on the Santa Express to help the reindeer prepare for Christmas Eve... by feeding them some of the aforementioned festive food.

And then it's off to the highlight of your two-hour trip – a magical grotto experience ending with a personalised gift and certificate for each child from the big man himself.

And as if all that wasn't enough, you can enjoy all the fun of the farm from 10am to 4pm.

Great entertainment for all the family and a fantastic way to really get into the spirit of the season.

Experiences, which are timed to keep groups at a manageable size, run until Christmas Eve.

Ticket prices vary depending on the age of children. Log-on to thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk, e-mail info@thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk or call 01282 841148 for more details and to book.