Dutch Santa comes early - on a horse!

Sinterklaas, the Dutch Father Christmas, kept up his appointment with the small Dutch community this afternoon, dropping in to hand gifts to the children.

The Feast of Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, is celebrated on December 6 in The Netherlands and the saint presents his gifts the day before.

Sinterklaas is portrayed as a very old bishop who sets off from Spain carrying the gifts for the Dutch children.

Today's event was organised by the Dutch ambassador to Malta, Rob Gabriëlse, who greeted Sinterklaas as he arrived outside a home in Mellieha, where the children were waiting. They asked Sinterklaas how old he actually was - but he said he had lost count. He however was able to appreciate the Christmas carols which the children sang before he continued his journey.