He normally travels by sleigh – but seven boatloads of Santas took to the waters of a Cumbrian beauty spot to mark the countdown to Christmas.

A race – where all the competitors were Father Christmas – was held at Derwentwater at Keswick to celebrate the start of the festive season. This event launched the town’s Live Advent Calendar.

Every day between December 1 and Christmas Eve, a different festive window will be lit at a different building in the town.

An event will also follow each lighting, such as a fancy dress competition, Santa’s Grotto or musical performance.

The illuminated windows will stay lit, forming a magical and festive trail around town.

The first window, themed on the story of The Emperor and the Nightingale , was lit at Theatre By The Lake after the race.

Vanessa Metcalfe, tourism officer for Keswick Tourism Association, said: “It went absolutely brilliantly and the weather was good. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase different businesses around the town.

“It brings people into the town and takes them to different businesses that they wouldn’t normally go to.”

The Live Advent Calendar is a joint project between Keswick Tourism Association and Allerdale Council.