Take a look back at the spirit of KCOM's Christmas past

Christmas is a time for reflection – and at KCOM we like to look back at years gone by as much as the next IT and communications provider.

Here at KCOM we’ve been celebrating Christmas in our own unique way ever since we made our first phone call here in Hull back in 1904 - and we’ve had a lot of fun doing it.

So, before we celebrate Christmas this year, here are a few memories from Noels past to get you in the festive spirit.

In 1952 we introduced our Call Santa recorded phone line, where youngsters could call Father Christmas to hear about his festive preparations.

The idea came about when Hull Councillor JM Stamper heard of a similar recorded message service on the continent and decided to replicate it in Hull, making it the first of its kind in the UK.

By dialling Hull 211 211 children could hear carol singing and stories written and performed by Hull Telephone Department employees.

The first story was a phenomenal success, attracting 20,000 callers with 35,000 customers the following year, generating national and international media interest.

Here are some early pictures from the 1950s of the Call Santa team in action – alongside the big man himself.

In this photo from 1953, Telephone Manager Hugh Harris can be seen shepherding Hull orphans towards a classic K6 phone box where they were among the first in the city to listen to a Call Santa rehearsal.

In this picture from 1964 Santa had enlisted the help of hit Hull pop combo Barry Graham and The Mustangs, who provided the hip musical entertainment in between St Nick’s gentle rhymes.

In this picture from the 1950s Santa is regaling Hull’s youngsters with a story from Tufty the Squirrel.

Hull-born singing sensation David Whitfield helped us celebrated Christmas back in 1954 when he joined the Call Santa line to serenade fans with songs such as Cara Mia and Answer Me.

Here’s the advert promoting the event.