A HAWKHURST family who have suffered more than most will be celebrating Christmas in style after receiving a surprise visit from Santa's little helpers this week.

The Weeks family, of Copthall Avenue, won a sackful of presents from online retailer Woolworths.co.uk after mum Debbie sent them a letter detailing how a revolutionary new treatment has transformed the lives of two of her four children - daughters Sophie and Katie - who suffer from ME.

The children were picked up from school on Tuesday (December 1) after being told they were off to the dentist. Instead they went home and found a sleigh full of gifts on the driveway.

Mrs Weeks said: "The children were over the moon, they were so excited to see the snowmen and real-life reindeer. They are saving the presents to open on Christmas Day."

Woolworths.co.uk spokesman Matthew Hardcastle said: "We were inundated with entries for this competition and it was a hard job deciding who to visit. The Weeks family really stood out because their letter was so full of courage.

"We thought a visit from a sleigh pulled by real life reindeer would be the perfect way for them to celebrate and enjoy their new found energy."