There are few things more trying for parents than braving the queues and crowds for Christmas shopping - especially if the little ones are in tow.

Which is why the Oxford Mail and the OFS Studio (at the Old Fire Station) have teamed up to offer mums and dads the chance to drop and shop - that's drop your children off at the OFS Studio in George Street, Oxford, while you are left free to shop for those all-important festive goodies.

Santa's Little Film Club kicks off on Tuesday, December 18 and runs until Sunday, December 23. It is open to all children aged between six and 12 years of age.

All you have to do is leave your children with us so they can enjoy the best children's Christmas films - while you face the festive rush alone.

And if they don't want to watch Shrek, Muppet Christmas Carol or The Polar Express - to name just a few of the yuletide favourites we'll be screening during the week-long event - then they can let their energy burst into life by participating in a whole series of fun, seasonal activities that we will be staging upstairs in the OFS's Loft.

Santa's Little Film Club is open Tuesday to Friday from 4pm until 7pm, and from 11am to 2pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets cost £4.50 for each child, which includes a goodie bag, that day's copy of the Oxford Mail, and automatic entry into the New Theatre's exclusive in-house competitions.

Numbers are limited, so tickets will need to be purchased in advance.

In addition, the children will be fully supervised by a team of experienced chaperones who are licensed by Oxfordshire County Council and who have all been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.

Kerry Arnold, assistant marketing manager for the OFS Studio, said: "Christmas has come early for parents. Here's an opportunity to have a much-needed break from the children while we take the stresses and strains of shopping from you.

"And we can guarantee children will have as much festive fun as possible."

And the Oxford Mail's entertainments editor, Jeremy Smith, said: "The line-up of movies and activities is so good, I think many parents might try to pass themselves off as eight-year olds and leave the shopping to their kids."

For all up-to-date information, including films and activities, go to website www.OFSstudio.org.uk.

To book tickets, call the OFS Studio box office on 01865 297170

The Films

Tuesday, Dec 18th - Happy Feet and Shrek

Wednesday, Dec 19th - Muppet Christmas Carol and The Polar Express

Thursday, Dec 20th - Shrek and Ice Age

Friday, Dec 21st - Ice Age and The Polar Express

Saturday, Dec 22nd - Muppet Christmas Carol and Shrek

Sunday, Dec 23rd - Happy Feet and Muppet Christmas Carol