CHILDREN from North East Lincolnshire schools said "Willkommen" to the German Saint Nicholas as he begun his annual tour of the town.
The annual visit could herald more school exchanges between Cleethorpes' German twin town of Konigswinter.
He was cheered as he visited Springfield Primary School where he was welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Cliff Barber.
Councillor Barber said he hopes to organise a school exchange with the German town.
He said: "It would be good to bond the children of Konigswinter with those of North East Lincolnshire. They could come here and we could do it vice versa."
St Nicholas said he was thrilled with pupils who said "Vielen Dank" for the chocolates he presented to every pupil.
He also presented staff with lebkuchen and German wine produced in Konigwinter.
Headteacher Andy Willett said: "It is fantastic to be part of that long-standing tradition."
Nine-year-old Katie Mawer said: "It has been a happy visit from St Nicholas. He looks quite nice. They are wishing everybody a merry Christmas."
The tour by St Nicholas and his helpers started at the Fishing Heritage Centre on Thursday. Ulrich Berres, a council worker of Cleethorpes' twin town Konigswinter, will visit schools and other organisations before leaving tomorrow.
It is part of his traditional visit before Christmas, which has been happening for the last 20 years
"It's always good to come here," Ulrich said. "I enjoy it every time.
"I have a lot of friends here and the people are so friendly and kind. I say it every year, but it almost feels as though I am coming home."
He was welcomed by the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Alex Baxter, before visiting local primary schools as well as St Andrew's Hospice.
Sue Marshall, operations manager of Grimsby Heritage Centre, said: "We thought it would be a good way for him to start his tour of the town.
"He's got plenty of visits after this so we also thought we'd provide him with some lunch to give him some energy!
"It's a pleasure to have him here."
Follow us on Facebook and TwitterVIEW PICTURE GALLERIES www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/pictures
