Curious children were given a free reign to ask Santa what life is like at the North Pole in a special press conference.

Hundreds turned up to The Broadwalk Centre, in Edgware, on Saturday to speak to Father Christmas and find out more about the man behind the presents.

He told them he is 222 years old, he gets round the world in one night by freezing time and he has 2,009 reindeers.

The mystical figure also said he has magical keys made by the elves which open any door in the world, and he delivers billions of presents each Christmas.

And he then entertained the crowds with song and dance performances with his best friend, Rudolph, the reindeers seven-year-old son Rudy.

Angela Brooks, centre manager of The Broadwalk Centre, said: “The event was a great success and it was wonderful to see so many children enjoying such a unique experience with Santa.

“Everyone at the centre was in such high spirits and it created such a festive atmosphere for the Saturday shop.”