CHILDREN had a magical lesson in the goings on at Santa’s workshop as they became honorary elves.

Families enjoyed festive fun and Christmas cheer as Marsh Farm played host to the fourth annual Father Christmas experience.

During its first weekend, the adventure park, in Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, saw 2,000 visitors through its doors.

The experience began with children going through elf passport control and visiting an elf academy to learn about the naughty and nice list and help fix broken toys.

The magical journey also includes meeting the snowmaker, creating gingerbread biscuits with Mother Christmas, seeing reindeer and making a teddy bear to take home.

James Martin, from Partyman, which runs the event, hopes that 25,000 people will enjoy the experience before Christmas Eve.

He said: “Marsh Farm’s award-winning Christmas event never seems to disappoint families looking for a good quality, fun and festive grotto experience.

“Marsh Farm and the team prides itself in creating the most magical Christmas wonderland with the use of reindeer, real cheeky elf, all this is set in breathtaking festive areas and even real snow.”

The event takes place every weekend and some weekdays in December and lasts until Christmas Eve.

For more information, visit marshfarm.co.uk.