Swindon and Wiltshire families will have the chance to not only meet Santa Claus but also take a boat trip with him this December.

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust are hosting the trips throughout the festive season, allowing children to meet the man in the red suit while also seeing the local sights from the water vessel.

Brian Sharp, 79, resides in Park South and often acts as the skipper for the boat which is used for the seasonal trips, The Dragonfly.

“We get the people on board and then pick up Santa Claus at the Hall & Woodhouse pub where he hides and jumps out and waves,” he explained.

“We stop the boat, he gets onboard, and we loop around again and head in the direction towards the M4.”

Swindon Advertiser: All aboard: The boat tours run in December each year.All aboard: The boat tours run in December each year. (Image: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust)

Each boat trip lasts around 25 minutes, but the crew manage to cram in a lot of festive excitement into the short wintry adventure.

“While on the boat, Santa has a list of all the children onboard as well as their ages so he can interact with each personally and see if they have been on the boat in previous years,” said Brian.

“He hands presents out and talks to each child separately before they all have a little singalong with Christmas music being played in the background throughout the journey.”

Swindon Advertiser: The boat is out on the water for around 25 minutes per trip.The boat is out on the water for around 25 minutes per trip. (Image: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust)

The experience is one of the most unique on offer at this time of year in Swindon and it is for that very reason why Brian believes everyone should give it a go.

“It’s a little bit unusual as most people go into a shop to meet Santa but we get him on the boat,” he said.

“The children have his undivided attention and they all sing Christmas songs and carols as the boat travels around the canal.”

The boat is also equipped with a plethora of Christmas decorations as well as fully functioning facilities for all their festive stowaways.

“We decorate the boat inside, but we have tinsel outside,” explained Brian.

“We also have a toilet onboard as well as heaters to make sure we are warm out on the water.”

Swindon Advertiser: The Christmas trips have been available to Swindon residents each December for several years.The Christmas trips have been available to Swindon residents each December for several years. (Image: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust)

All the crew on each trip work on a voluntary basis, with Brian helping out since he moved to Swindon from Cornwall eight years ago.

“We are all volunteers and although I am the Chairman, we do have a whole crew of elves to help out,” he revealed.

“In total there are just under 30 people on the Dragonfly boat team.”

The Santa boat trips have been going since 2015 and with demand remaining high, Brian sees no reason why the magic should end.

“It is truly lovely at Christmas with these trips, and we are always very busy,” he said.

“I’m single so it is nice to get out and about, see the views and have a laugh at Christmas!

“I still love to do it after all these years because of that. You’re out and about in the fresh air, you get a bit of exercise, and you get to meet new people.”

Swindon Advertiser: Santa Claus boards the boat alongside the families to make each trip one to remember for all involved.Santa Claus boards the boat alongside the families to make each trip one to remember for all involved. (Image: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust)

Tickets are priced at £12 per child and £6 per adult, which alongside the boat ride includes a present for the former as well as the chance to speak with Santa Claus.

There are seven trips a day and this will run from Saturday, December 17 to Friday, December 23.

If you are interested in joining Brian, Santa Claus, and the crew for a boat trip around Swindon, you can find out more via the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust website here.