FATHER Christmas made a flying visit to a school yesterday.

But Santa’s visit was not to drop off presents for Woodstock Primary School's pupils but to teach them about road safety.

The Santa Express started at Woodstock Library in Hensington Road and involved 164 children, parents and teachers.

Headteacher Lisa Rowe donned the Santa costume for the event to promote walking to school in a safe manner.

Mandy Rigault, who is the team leader for road education at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the walk encourages parents not to drive up to the school gates.

She said: “By walking together to the school, parents have the chance to speak to their children about road safety and it also gives health benefits to all involved.

“We want to make it safer around the school with less congestion also for pedestrians.

“It is a win, win, win for everyone involved.”

The library is used as a starting point with parents encouraged to park cars there rather than at the school gates.

The school has been doing the walks for five years.