Santa came early this year

THE customers sitting down to Sunday lunch at the Coach & Horses at Llangynidr by the Brecon and Monmouth Canal were amazed when who should stroll in but Santa Claus himself!

He was enjoying a summer holiday on a narrowboat on the  waterway, as far away from the busy factories of the North Pole as possible!

Five star award

After stopping off at a number of pubs along the way, he returned to the Coach & Horses to present Tracey Birch a five star Santa Award for best pub in Britain. (Pictured together.) Only one other establishment in the country has this award—a three star Santa Award in Dorset.

Santa also presented Tracey with an official Santa's hat and reindeer bell to award her for her hospitality.

After spending time with every table in the restaurant, and having photographs with all of the Dad's who were brave enough to sit on his lap! Santa said goodbye to all and went back to his boat to enjoy his last day on holiday before returning to Lapland and all of his elves!