A Santa Claus in a shopping centre has been dubbed on social media as "the best Santa ever" after going above and beyond for a little girl.

Mali Williams-Cody visited the jolly man at the Cleveland Shopping Centre in Middlesborough, UK. Williams-Cody has hearing and speech difficulties, but luckily for her, Santa knows sign language. Their exchange was filmed by YouTube user Mashup Mark, and the video has so far garnered over 1.2 million views.

In the video, Williams-Cody's mother, Suzanne Williams, is heard telling Santa, “Sorry, she can’t talk very well.” Santa replies, “Can she sign at all?”

When Williams-Cody's mother responds that the girl knows some words, Santa taps Williams-Cody and begins to ask in sign language, “What do you want for Christmas?”

The little girl's eyes light up when she sees that Santa can speak to her. She communicates back and tells him she would like to find a scooter underneath her Christmas tree.

The 40-second video has attracted plenty of attention on social media, with many users sharing their sentiments.

YouTube user thekanjiboy wrote, “This guy deserves a medal. Best video I have seen in a long time. He made that little girl’s year.” Likewise, user RattlerX5150 wrote, “A billion karma to that Santa for this extremely kind gesture.”

Cleveland Centre’s Facebook page has also been inundated with positive comments on their Santa’s gesture.

One comment reads, “Surely the best Santa Claus ever. Now I really believe in Father Christmas. Loving this moment caught on camera.”

According to the Daily Mail UK, a spokesperson for the shopping mall said, “Santa wants to make sure every child who visits really does experience what this time of year is all about. Santa will take his time with each and every child and will try and put a smile on their faces.”

“We believe the Cleveland Centre Santa is real and this truly shows the magic and spirit of Christmas, just like Miracle on 34th Street.”

Source: YouTube/Mashup Mark