FAMILIES enjoyed a Santa’s grotto with a twist at Oxford Bus Museum as the final countdown to Christmas continued.

Saint Nick had set up camp in a vintage bus at the Long Hanborough attraction, much to the delight of transport enthusiasts and youngsters alike.

Vintage bus rides left the museum and travelled around the county throughout Sunday, but one of the vintage vehicles was set aside for the grotto.

Children flocked to the unique 1953 bus grotto, which was adorned with decorations and lights.

Each child received a free gift from the man himself and games and other activities were on offer as everyone got into the Christmas spirit.

Jonathan Radley, director at the bus museum, said the centre was overwhelmed by visitors as eager children queued to meet Father Christmas.

The museum was set to host the grotto the previous Sunday too, but had to cancel as a result of weather – a factor which is thought to have led to the large numbers on Sunday.

Mr Radley said: “We were also a bit low on volunteers so that didn’t help but I think everyone who wanted to see Santa did.

“The kids love it and I think part of the reason they love our grotto is that we offer children the chance to have a proper chat with Santa and ask him questions.

“We do see families who were here last year saying their children wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

The next celebration for the museum will take place on New Year’s Day, with vintage bus rides from the centre itself, as well as Witney, Oxford Parkway and Woodstock between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Mr Radley continued: “We usually do get very busy on New Year’s Day.

"Most families have been doing shopping together and other family stuff and they’re looking for something a bit different.”

The end of the year will be a particularly poignant moment for the bus museum, as it comes to the conclusion of special anniversary celebrations.

Fifty years ago a group of transport enthusiasts came together and purchased an AEC Regal 1949, which led to the creation of the Long Hanborough museum.

Earlier in the year a festival of transport was held at the centre to mark the golden anniversary and Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, visited the museum in October.

The museum now boasts a collection of about 40 buses and displays other vehicles including vintage cars and bicycles.

For more see oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk