SOAP star Steven Arnold hopped on board the Santa Express with a south Bucks family to spread some Christmas cheer in the Eden shopping centre.

The ex-Dancing on Ice contestant, who played Ashley Peacock in Coronation Street, visited the complex with Jo Sumner and her children Charlie and Ava from the Sparkles Down’s Syndrome support group.

They took a ride on the elf-tastic Santa Express train ride through the centre, waving to shoppers, before visiting Santa in his grotto.

Eden’s Marketing Manager Caroline Anderson said, “We were so delighted we could bring Steve to the Centre to meet up with the Sumner family from the local Sparkles group.

“We’re always keen to support the work of local charities and having hosted the Thomas Ball Children’s Charity last year, we were thrilled to bring in local Downs’ Syndrome support charity, Sparkles.

Jo Sumner said: “Thank you so much for our lovely afternoon. Charlie and Ava had such a lovely time and it was a joy to watch my children get into the seasonal spirit and be thoroughly spoilt.”

The Santa Express and Santa’s Grotto are open until 4pm on Christmas Eve.