THE 1st Wilton and 14th Salisbury (Bemerton) Beavers have enjoyed a Christmas themed weekend sleepover at Wilton Scout Hall.

The Beavers were greeted by two reindeer, later named Gerald and Red, who sang to them and stayed close by to enable them to earn their Nights Away badge.

On Saturday afternoon, the Beavers went on a trip and were shown Lady Chichester’s pets including pigs, ponies, donkeys and her camels Temujin, Zeus, William and Luna.

Before returning to the hall, the Beavers had a welcome surprise visit from Santa’s granddaughter who brought gifts for each of them.

After the visit they all sat down to a Christmas dinner followed by a film, hot chocolate and popcorn, before turning in for the night.

Sunday morning was spent in Santa’s workshop where they made sock snowmen, snowmen biscuits, rice crispy cakes and other Christmas themed items before returning home.