WE all remember the excitement of seeing Santa as a child and the feeling is no different for youngsters across Andover as he makes his way across the town.

Despite the rain and bitterly cold weather, Father Christmas is determined to spread Christmas cheer as part of this year's Andover Santa Cruises organised by Andover Community Events.

The team very kindly invited the Advertiser down to be one of Santa's elves on the first night of his cruise on Monday, December 19, which was a delightful experience from start to finish.

Like last year, the event has been planned not only to spread Christmas magic but to raise as much money as possible for the Countess of Brecknock Hospice.

SEE ALSO: The Andover Santa Cruise returns to raise money for hospice

During the night the man in red visited several estates including Roman Way, Swallowfields, Cricketers Way and Augusta Park, with children braving the rain to get just one glimpse of Santa, some even brought their furry friends along.

Armed with donation buckets, we made our way around the estates following the music-blaring sleigh.

I was amazed at just how many families ventured out their front doors with Christmas jumpers proudly on. The best part of the whole experience was seeing the kids' faces light up with joy as Santa gave them a wave.

Some youngsters went the extra mile, following the sleigh around their estate with the biggest grin you could imagine on their faces, which made braving the rain all worthwhile because just by being there we were a little part of bringing children so much happiness.

Perhaps the most heart-warming part of the experience for me was the fact people still gave what they could despite the cost-of-living crisis hitting people hard this year. The children were eager to put money in our donation buckets, as they watched in amazement as Santa went by.

READ MORE: Santa flies into hospice on a ex-military Gazelle helicopter

Kevin Rush, from the team, said: "We do the cruises because it’s an easy way for Santa to see so many children in one go. It’s free because Santa doesn’t take, he is the master of giving, but if anybody wants to, and can, give anything to the hospice at this time of year there is no better cause. The absolute favourite part of doing the cruises is simply seeing the faces of those that come out to see us, young and old.

"Knowing we can do something so simple that can have such a positive and magical effect, especially in the uncertain years we have had recently, makes everything, including the cold and rain, so worthwhile."

Santa will be making his way around the rest of Andover each night up until Friday, December 23.

For details of all the routes visit the Andover Santa Cruises Facebook page.