Santa stops off in Ely to spread festive cheer

FATHER Christmas completed his seasonal visit round the streets of Ely on Monday night with a little help from Ely’s Rotary Clubs.

Accompanied by a driver, a marshal, and team of collectors – all volunteers - over 11 nights they took Father Christmas out to meet the children of Ely, giving them the chance to tell him in person what they would like to receive on Christmas Day.

The clubs also collected money for local charities and good causes.

Despite the bitterly cold weather and frequent rain, many children – young and old - came out on the night to see Father Christmas, and the people of Ely dug deep in their pockets and purses to donate more than �6,500.

The money will be divided between the two Ely Rotary Clubs, The Ely Lions, and the Ely Inner Wheel, and distributed over the coming months.

A spokesman for the clubs said: “We are most grateful for the goodwill and generosity of the people we met whilst collecting, to the pupils and teachers from Ely College who came along to help and also to Vindis Cars, who provided the reindeer to pull Father Christmas’ sleigh.”