Yorkshire cricket stars Ryan Sidebotom and Jack Brooks turned Santa’s ‘little helpers’ to make a special seasonal delivery to a children’s hospice.

Their helicopter flight to deliver presents to patients at Martin House hospice was supported by Yeadon-based aviation company Multiflight and Leeds Bradford Airport Multiflight flew Santa to the hospice on using one of its charter helicopter based at Leeds Bradford Airport.

Staff and passengers at the airport donated Christmas gifts for the children and their siblings.

Santa also had a special gift in his sack - a £1,000 donation from Leeds Bradford Airport’s annual coin collection to Martin House Hospice, as one of its chosen charities.

Tony Hallwood, LBA marketing director, said: “It’s magnificent to see the children’s faces light up when Santa arrives with his sack of presents.

“We want to make sure that the children and families at Martin House Hospice have a really memorable day.

“Martin House is a fantastic, deserving charity which we have proudly supported for a number of years.”

Linda Nicholls, Multiflight’s charter manager, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to give the children, their families and the staff at the hospice a special Christmas treat and Multiflight is delighted to be able to do this.”

Martin House Children’s Hospice provides care for children and young people with progressive life limiting illnesses along with support to their families and needs to raise £4.5 million annually to operate.