FATHER Christmas is leaving his sleigh in Lapland and borrowing Cinderella’s horse drawn carriage to arrive in Stevenage in magical style today (Saturday).

The jolly old chap will be followed by Cinder’s friends the Fairy Godmother, Buttons and the Pantomime Dame as well as her Wicked Stepmother (Boo!).

The troupe, giving out gifts as they go, will parade through the town from 11am, starting at Lloyds Bank, through Town Square and along Queensway and finishing at The Forum.

Santa will then take up residence in his fairytale castle grotto in the Westgate Centre until Christmas Eve, where his companions will keep him company until 4pm.

Centre manager Tina Bennett said: “I am so excited for Santa’s arrival. We have never used horses before. I think with the Cinderella carriage we are really bringing the magic of Christmas to life.”