A CHRISTMAS grotto with a difference is really taking off near Cirencester.

This festive season families are invited to visit Santa on board the former British Airways Boeing 747 Negus which has been transformed into a winter wonderland.

Father Christmas’ Flight Before Christmas is set to land at Cotswold Airport near Kemble this Friday and will stay until December 24.

The magical experience includes stepping inside a preserved jumbo jet and meeting Father Christmas and his elves while on board.

As guests disembark, they will meet Mrs Claus in a full-size Gingerbread House where they can decorate their own gingerbread to take home.

Finally, they will pass the elves who are hard at work in the Toy Factory, assembling presents.

Each child will have the chance to pick a teddy bear, build it and take it home. Adults will receive a mince pie and hot mulled wine.

Negus has been at the airport since it was decommissioned from service in 2020.

It has now been transformed into a special events space.

Full details and tickets at bit.ly/3XiuGhL

Pictures by Paul Nicholls