Santa Claus raises funds for charity in Whitchurch

Father Christmas has been dropping in to towns and villages across the Whitchurch area in the run-up to the festive period.

Whitchurch Rotary Club has been running its 41st annual Christmas appeal which has seen Santa visiting the area on a float.

Last year, £8,067 was raised by the scheme, meaning the total raised stands at more than £130,000.

• Click here for our Santa's grotto guide for the West Midlands and Shropshire

Rotarian Walter Schafer said: "The Christmas float is now in its 41st year and raised more than £8,000 last year for the Rotary-assisted charities.

"But it also provides funding for more than 100 free Christmas lunches which are prepared and delivered to the needy and lonely in Whitchurch on Christmas Day.

"It's been operating on a par with last year so far which is fantastic," he added.

"We have had a very good response, even on Thursday when it was pouring with rain parents brought their children out."

Meanwhile, the Rotary club is once again holding a Tree of Light Appeal, which allows people to remember loved ones at Christmas by sponsoring a light.

Mr Schafer said: "It is prominently displayed in the foyer of Sainsbury's supermarket and there is a second unmanned tree in the civic centre.

"They give an opportunity for people to remember a loved one or a favourite cause in a constructive way."

Mr Schafer said that dedications will be included in a Book of Remembrance and on a dedicated website.

"These projects are a challenge to our small club, but we enjoy the rewarding work and we are always appreciative of the enthusiastic support of people in Whitchurch," he added.

Anyone who lives locally and feels they may qualify for a free Christmas meal delivery should contact Paul Coddington on (01948) 661921 or email paul.coddington@btinternet.com.