Freezing weather in much of Europe and torrential rain in Kalkan could not deter Santa Claus and his elves from making an appearance.

For Santa, on a flying visit to Turkey to visit his old home town of Patara, Sunday was a very special day.

He had heard that the children of Kalkan Rehabilitation Centre needed some winter cheer, and the people of Kalkan wanted to help make this festive season special for them.

So Santa came to Kalkan to collect the presents donated by well wishers, and he will deliver them to the children in the New Year, when he is not quite so busy.

Below: Santa arrives at Parc Kalkan, with a helper.

He was delighted by the gifts so generously given. All the children at the Rehabilitation Centre will now have new winter clothes and will not need to fear the weather during this very stormy time.

Santa had heard that Parc Kalkan Restaurant was laying on a very special reception for him, free parking for his reindeer with an unlimited supply of carrots and an equally unlimited supply of mince pies and sherry for him.

Below: The mince pie elves.

Dozens of local residents were eagerly waiting for him, looking forward to telling Santa what was on their Christmas and New Year wish list.

The local children were very impressed with Santa. They crowded round him for several hours, sharing secrets and finding out all about his life. His most ardent admirer was Lydia,aged 5, who has invited Santa to come and live in her house, explaining that Kalkan is so much warmer than Lapland and at his age, he needs sun, not snow.

Torrential rain throughout his visit didn't spoil anybody's fun and visitors kept arriving to say hello and contribute to the success of the event.

There was a stall selling Christmas goodies - the mince pies were a great hit. The Kalkan art group displayed their pictures and very generously made a donation.

Santa handed out gifts of sweets and chocolate to all the children who came to see him.  This included a large and enthusiastic group of Kalkan children, who came to entertain Santa. They sang, and played accordions, and everyone agreed that Santa should be persuaded to visit Turkey more often - weather and other duties permitting of course.

Santa's elves would like to say a very big thank you to all who came and supported the event, and to Parc Kalkan for their generous hospitality.  Special thanks go to the organisers of Saturday's charity quiz which raised a magnificent 380 lira for the children.

During Santa's visit on Sunday, a further 337 lira was raised, and all of this money will be used to provide support to needy childen in Kalkan.

Thanks also to local resident Barry Crowe, who, in a moment of madness (and generosity), paid 75 lira in the Christmas pudding auction, for the pleasure of having a luxury Marks and Spencer Christmas pud on his table on Christmas Day - afiyet olsun! Thanks to Juney for donating the pudding.

Finally, Santa would like to say a special thank you to Nina, for her help in the 'ho ho haute couture' department. Good job!

Santa will make one final appearance in Kalkan on New Years day, at the annual 'we are all mad, so let's jump into the sea' fundraising swim - also known as the Looney Dook.  So if you missed him yesterday, you still have a chance to tell him what's on your present list for 2011.

Merry Christmas everybody.