VISITORS to Oxford Castle have donated almost 100 presents for children with life-threatening illnesses.

On Wednesday, Father Christmas collected the gifts from his on-site grotto before taking them to Helen and Douglas House hospice in Magdalen Road, East Oxford.

Visitors to the castle’s Winter Wonderland also raised more than £800 for Macmillan Cancer Support by dedicated a bauble on the Christmas tree. Castle marketing officer Sarah Mayhew said: “This was our first Winter Wonderland and we have been overwhelmed by the popularity of Father Christmas.

“It has also provided a fantastic opportunity for people to give a little back with donations to both Helen and Douglas House and Macmillan. We would like to thank everybody who has made a donation so far.”