EALING Broadway Shopping Centre visitors started the annual drive to raise funds for Ealing branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care on Saturday by welcoming Santa in his taxi.

Shoppers last year raised £2,000 over the festive period, and it is hoped to exceed the target this year.

Santa arrived on Saturday in the most reliable and tasteful mode of transport around town, a white London taxi.

While the reindeers take a break before the Christmas rush, children can visit him every weekend until Christmas from 11am -6pm by jumping in the back of his taxi.

No bookings are necessary to visit Santa, but it is possible to reserve a slot at ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk.

Visiting Santa is free of charge, but donations to Marie Curie are gratefully received and the shopping centre will be sending donations to the charity throughout the festive period.

For more information, visit ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk