Before getting on his sleigh and dispensing gifts to children worldwide, Santa Claus paid a special visit to children in hospital.

"Creating a welcoming child-friendly environment and offering a positive attitude is very important in hospital," said Rennie Zerafa, from the Rainbow Ward, at Mater Dei Hospital.

Mr Zerafa, also renowned for his work with the Puttinu Cares Children's Cancer Foundation, thanked Santa Claus who managed to make it to the ward with the help of the management team from the Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa.

This was the second year Corinthia made sure the children in hospital were delivered gifts on December 23.

The visit was planned in line with various fund-raising initiatives organised in aid of Beyond the Moon, an international non-profit charitable association that aids seriously ill children, including those from the Rainbow Ward at Mater Dei, by giving them and their family the holiday of a lifetime.

So far, three Maltese children suffering from a life-threatening disease have enjoyed a completely cost-free and care-free holiday. Benefiting from funds raised by The Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa last year, a fourth child will be going on a similar holiday early this year.