While Santa is traditionally depicted as riding a reindeer-towed sleigh, this year the residents of Ronald McDonald House in Stanford, California, were treated to the bearded gift-bringer arriving in a vintage vehicle.

According to Palo Alto Online, it was all down to classic car enthusiast, Chuck Gaskin, who takes some time out every year in order to visit the children who are staying at the institution while they undergo medical treatment over Christmas.

Mr Gaskin has been organising various festive events for the youngsters at the home for 12 years in a row and while his initial audience was just eight strong, it has grown over the past decade to the point where he and his colleague now cater for over 70 children.

This year he turned up in a 1954 Chevrolet Belair and also brought other classic cars with him, including a 1965 AC Cobra, so that the children could get their gifts and also have a good look around the vintage vehicles parked outside of their temporary home.

Parents were on hand to supervise and many said that it was great to see the youngsters enjoying themselves and getting into the festive spirit, with the help of a visit from Santa and the iconic autos.