A businessman has been described as a real-life Santa because of his company’s generous donations to a Bournemouth infant school.

Stuart Mason, Director at Richard Godsell Estate Agents in Southbourne, was given a hero’s welcome by children and staff at Stourfield Infant School in Southbourne.

Pupils gave the businessman a tour of the school and also presented him with a framed picture.

It was specially made to thank him for the charitable donations he has regularly provided to the school’s Parents’ Association.

As a result, the school has been able to purchase new books for the refurbished library, as well as laptops and interactive smartboards in the classrooms.

Over the past three years Richard Godsell has not only sponsored the school’s Christmas and Summer Fairs, it has also provided £250 cash prizes for each fair’s Grand Draw – an essential fundraiser for the school that further brings in thousands of pounds.

Emma Foyle, Interim Headteacher at Stourfield Infant School said “Stuart Mason is our real-life Santa who has created magic in our school by enabling us to buy equipment and resources that are key to our children’s education.

“To have such a generous company on our doorstep is a Christmas dream come true”.

Mr Mason said: “We are a small team who enjoy helping families find their perfect next home.

“It’s an honour to be able give back and help those families enjoy the best education that Southbourne can offer.”

• The Stourfield Infant School Christmas Fair is to be held on Friday December 6,  3.30-6pm. Tickets for the Grand Draw are available from the school.