Eric Summons twas Boris the Black Knight before he became Santa Clause Eric Summons, aka, Santa Claus, is delighting children this Christmas. HE might have replaced his smart-mouthed bathmat sidekick with a bunch of elves and reindeer, but the man under that fluffy white beard and red suit is no stranger to being king of the kids. Eric Summons, who along with Agro, reigned supreme on children's television as Boris The Black Knight in the early '80s and then later as a host on Wombat, is now pulling on the Santa boots to entertain another generation of children. The man in the red suit will be working every day up to Christmas Day, listening to the wishes of hundreds of children visiting shopping centres and ­festive events. "I just love the happiness that he brings to kids," Mr Summons said. There's nothing difficult about it at all to me. Boris the Black Knight - Eric Sommers - was a regular on '80s TV screens. As he walks through the Springwood Arndale shopping centre, Santa is a magnet for children with his loud laugh and Christmas bell. Some ask for dolls, others beg for a bike or a younger sister. More and more are asking for electronic presents: iPads, phone or an Xbox. "It's very important that I listen to the kids," Mr Summons said. What is Santa's sack going to be full of this Christmas? They know they have to be good for Santa. They're generally just happy to see him.