Santa has always attracted the crowds but people turned out in their hundreds to see him when this wonderful photo was taken almost 70 years ago.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the archive at Watford Museum and this week’s seasonal offering is this picture of Santa arriving at Cawdells.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “Santa's arrival in a town is always much anticipated by youngsters. On Saturday, November 6, 1954 Santa came into the town by a horse-drawn coach, topped with musicians. His destination was Cawdells department store which looked onto the Market Place.

“I wonder if the coach would have started from the pond as I have seen similar Santa coach scenes here? So many people filled the High Street and there must have been quite a queue inside.”

Visit the Museum Facebook page or website www.watfordmuseum.org.uk to see more historic photos.