WATCH: Santa leaves the reindeer at home to arrive at Wilkinstown NS.... by chopper!

There was great excitement at Scoil Naomh Barra, Wilkinstown, this morning as Santa arrived on a surprise visit from the North Pole.....by helicopter.

The children were out playing on the yard at break time, totally oblivious to what was about to happen when the sound of a chopper in the distance grabbed their attention.

As it came closer and closer, the shouts of excitement got louder and louder and the children couldn't believe it when the helicopter touched down on the grass play area and the big man himself got out.

The visit was organised with thanks to the parents' association at the school and speaking afterwards, vice principal Jacqueline McCarthy said she had never seen such excitement in all her years at the school.