Restaurants, delicatessens and farm shops were treated to the sight of Santa Claus before Christmas Eve this year when their cheese orders for the festive season were delivered by the man himself (also known to many as Geoff Briggs of Torphins).

Santa explained the reason for his early appearance and why he was spotted in The Craigmyle Cheese Company of Torphins’ transit van rather than normal mode of transport, his sleigh: “The reindeers are resting up for their busy night on Christmas eve but I was itching to get out and spread some Christmas cheer. This is The Craigmyle Cheese Company’s first Christmas in production and they are incredibly busy with orders to go all over the country so I thought I would lend a hand.”

Liz Marchant, owner of the business commented: “it is fantastic that Santa can help us out and bring a smile to everyone’s face but I think he is a little more interested in collecting Christmas kisses than he likes to admit…”