A PCSO exchanged his high visibility jacket and hat for a white beard and sack of presents when he became Father Christmas for the morning.

PCSO Nick Gisicz, who is based at Darwen Police Station, dressed as Santa yesterday, and gave out presents to youngsters at a mother and tots group at The Barlow Institute in Bolton Road, Edgworth.

It is not the first time PCSO Gisicz has stood in as Father Christmas as he has taken on the role at the Barlow Institute in previous years.

PCSO Gisicz holds a police surgery for residents at the venue each Wednesday morning so offered to help out.

He is pictured with Ted Bullen and Archie Haworth, both aged two