IF you do not like the idea of travelling to icy cold Lapland to meet Santa then why not go on safari to met Father Christmas instead.

For only the second time in its 35-year history Knowsley Safari Park is organising a special series of events in the run-up to the festive season including a grotto and Santa express railway ride.

At the weekend Santa arrived in style at the safari park after flying in by helicopter from Lapland.

Families will be able to join in with a range of Christmas songs as they travel on the Santa express around the park lake before visiting Father Christmas in his grotto.

Children will receive a present from Santa while mums and dads can enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a hot drink and mince pie.

The park's family fun arcade will also be open as will the sea lion and exotic bird shows and subject to weather conditions a selection of fun fair rides.

In addition, the safari park's cheeky mascot Stanley the Lion will be on hand to entertain visitors and the Oasis Restaurant will also be serving traditional Christmas lunches at weekends.

The park will be running its Christmas events on Saturday December 3 and 4, the two following weekends and the weekdays of December 19 to 23. The park will be open 12 noon to 4pm.

Tickets for the railway and grotto are £4 (all ages). Entrance to the whole park including the five mile safari drive will be at a special reduced rate. For those families who just wish to visit the safari park village and walk around animal area where the grotto is located entrance will be just £3 per person.

Sean Lawler, Knowsley's amusement park manager, said last year's Christmas celebration was such a success they have decided to make it bigger and better this year.

"Our aim is to offer visitors an unusual alternative to the traditional store grotto in the unique setting of the safari park," he said.

The Citizen is offering its readers the chance to win one of three family tickets (two adults and two children) worth £42 each.

For a chance of winning, simply answer the question and send the answer to me, Andrew Daniels, Safari Park Competition, South Lakes Citizen, 1 Wainwright's Yard, Kendal, LA9 4DP, or email it to andrew.daniels@kendal.newsquest.co.uk before 9am next Tuesday December 6 (including your name address and telephone number).

Employees of Newsquest (Kendal) and their families are not eligible to enter. There is no cash alternative to the prize. The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winners must agree to participate with any publicity connected with this promotion.

Question: Where did Santa fly in from?