Santa brought a different type of gift to nine lucky children from St Ann on Christmas day: a ride in a helicopter, thanks to John Morris, managing director of Island Hoppers Helicopter Tours, Ocho Rios, and his wife, Sue.

"We just thought it would be a wonderful gift for them," Sue had told The Gleaner previously.

The gift was organised with assistance from the Optimist Club of Ocho Rios.

President, Dennis Richards, and member, Rowan Martin, took the children to the helicopter base, located next door to the Reynolds pier on the western end of the resort town.

The students were Akeila Byfield, 13, (Moneague Primary and Junior High); Natoyan Thomas, 12, (Breadnut Hill Primary); Sherice Richards, 13, (Marcus Garvey Technical); Brittanya Nembhard, 8, (Breadnut Hill Primary); Rojay Bailey, 7, (Parry Town Primary); Bryan Bailey, 4, (Parry Town Basic); Abigail Hendricks, 12, (Parry Town Primary); Savena Hines, 10, (Breadnut Hill Primary); and Jada Hurd, 9, (Ocho Rios Primary).

They all enjoyed themselves, despite having to wait for a while.

Bird's eye view

The youngsters took turns, three at a time. The flight took them over and around Ocho Rios, giving them a bird's-eye view of the resort town and a close-up of the Carnival Liberty cruise ship that was in port.

"At first, I was afraid and was screaming, then I saw that it was nice so I stopped," said Sherice.

'Saw everything'

"It was nice," Brittanya said.

She was lucky enough to have a second ride while the others had to settle for one, despite their pleas.

"We saw the ship and the people on it," Akeila said.

"We saw everything!" Natoya added.

The event drew attention from passers-by, with several motorists, including tourists, stopping to take pictures of the children as they boarded the helicopter and took off.

After the ride, the students were treated to refreshment before they were taken home, thrilled by the experience.

- Carl Gilchrist