THE magic of Christmas illuminated the lives of a group of special needs students during a visit to Santa's wintry home in Lapland.

Braving temperatures well below zero, the seven students and four carers from Beaumont Hill School, in Darlington enjoyed sleigh rides and other snow activities during their day trip to the Arctic Circle on Sunday.

The highlight of their special day was a visit to Santa's grotto in woods near the town of Rovaniemi.

Mick Moat, community education coordinator for Darlington Borough Council, said the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the students.

He said: "It's amazing the way the students react to Santa. They suddenly come to life and for one very special moment they seem to forget all their problems.

"It really does bring a tear to your eye, because it is something they talk about for months, even years, and it is so important that we can continue to brighten up their lives in this way."

But, unless the initiative continues to receive financial support, this year's trip could be the last.

Mr Moat said: "We need all the help we can get to continue this because you really can't explain how important it is to the students. "

The special needs students were not the only ones to meet Santa. Eighteen-month-old Cameron Murray, from Bishop Auckland, fought back from meningitis to fly out to Lapland.

The youngster, who has had his left foot and hand, his right fingers and half his right leg amputated, also flew out to see Santa thanks to a fundraising appeal by travel agents, Hays Travel.

* To help fund a Lapland trip for special needs children, contact Mick Moat, at Darlington Borough Council, on 07768 006334. For further details about trips to Lapland, contact Transun on 0870-4444 747