CHILDREN from Saffron Walden, Bishop s Stortford and Harlow jetted off from Stansted Airport for a flight of fantasy in search of Santa Claus on Saturday. More than 100 children, some of them with special needs, set off on a 30-minute flight in the hope o

CHILDREN from Saffron Walden, Bishop's Stortford and Harlow jetted off from Stansted Airport for a flight of fantasy in search of Santa Claus on Saturday.

More than 100 children, some of them with special needs, set off on a 30-minute flight in the hope of meeting Santa.

The youngsters were joined by elves on the Air Berlin flight, which soared across London.

BAA's community manager Valda Edmunds, who set up the flight, said: "An airline at Stansted used to do a similar trip a few years ago involving children from across the UK and I decided to resurrect the flight for children local to Stansted.

"Activities began at the boarding gate, where a juggler entertained the excited youngsters.

"On board, a smiling crew led the children in Christmas carols and when Santa appeared with a sack full of presents the cabin erupted with cheers and screams.

"I'd like to extend a big thank-you to the 30 companies who donated various items to make the trip so special.