Santa float raises £6,500 for local community

WESTBURY Lions’ Christmas float raised £6,500 over the festive period which will go back into the local community.

Santa took to the streets alongside volunteer collectors, despite the snow, rain, and wind, to ensure that children got a glimpse of Santa as well as posting their ever-important letters.

The club say, “We would like to thank all the wonderful residents of Westbury, Westbury Leigh, Heywood and Hawkeridge who warmly welcomed the Lions’ Santa float into their neighbourhoods and donated to our appeal.

“Santa travelled 52 miles in 19 days in all winds and weathers, and received 104 letters during his travels, and his elves were able to reply to 76 of these letters.”

Volunteers were also tirelessly stationed outside Morrisons to collect for the float on Christmas Eve.

A club spokesperson added, “Lions, Santa and the elves would also like to thank the shoppers at Morrisons on Christmas Eve, who also donated and helped take our appeal total to over £6,500. All the money donated will be redistributed within the Westbury area. Lions, Santa and his elves will look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”