BENTLEY Motors in Crewe have helped Santa tour South Cheshire in style this Christmas, by transforming a former London Routemaster bus into a double-decker sleigh.

Santa has exchanged his traditional reindeer for the comfort of four wheels, as he prepares to tour the region in a luxury mobile grotto to raise money for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice.

‘Luke the Bus’ was restored inside and out by Bentley, featuring the prestige motor manufacturer’s insignia hand stitched into leather seats beside the St Luke’s logo.

Meanwhile, a kind-hearted team of thirteen Barclays employees created the grotto, to which youngsters are invited while Father Christmas makes his way across Cheshire over the festive period.

Diane Eeley, St Luke’s head of community development, said: “We’re delighted Father Christmas has taken time out of his busy schedule to meet as many of Cheshire’s children as he can. Make sure you and your family don’t miss the chance to meet him aboard the amazing Luke the Bus.

“The Grotto looks fantastic and will be coming to a location near you, so it’s a perfect event for the whole family.”

The bus will be at the Long Retirement Village Christmas Market, Brookhouse Drive, Crewe, CW2 6NA, between 11.30am-4pm on December 16.

The bus visits Sandbach Late Night Market on Market Square, CW11 1AP, between 3.30pm-8.30pm on November 30.

The bus will be at Nantwich Health Centre, Beam Street, CW5 5NX, between 1pm-4.30pm on December 7.