Sutton police took Santa's place early this year when they brought gifts to the borough's primary school children.

Children from Foresters Primary School, in Wallington, were chosen on behalf of Sutton to take part in the Metropolitan Police's Christmas picture competition and winners were given prizes.

The competition is part of the Met's Christmas Tree Appeal, which encourages residents to buy a Christmas present for a child in local authority care who may not receive gifts this holiday.

But within 10 days of launching the appeal all the 200 presents for children and teenagers had been allocated. The presents will be handed out in the days running up to Christmas.

Sgt Simon Alexander said: "This is all about residents rallying around to help children in care who can find this season difficult - and as usual Sutton has shown it has a big heart with residents responding extremely quickly and generously to our appeal."

The overall winner of the picture competition was a pupil from Havering who drew a picture of police officers rescuing Santa who got stuck as he tried to deliver Christmas presents.

If you want to donate a present bring it in to Sutton police station where it will be given out through charities.