FATHER Christmas helped raise more than £6,000 in Northwich in the festive season.

He joined The Rotary Club of Northwich Vale Royal and Northwich Round Table to visit residents’ homes and meet children in his town centre grotto.

Ian Lewis, from the Rotary Club, said: “We would like to thank the people of Northwich and surrounding area for their wonderful response and generosity in donating to our Santa’s helpers both in Northwich town centre at the Grotto.

“Santa had a great time whilst visiting the various roads and streets on his high tech sleigh.

“I must say the welcome from the children and adults too was heart-warming especially on some nights when the weather was not too good.”

Santa and the clubs thanked Jenny Howard and the team at Cheshire West And Chester Council, Brian Phillips at TWG for the towing vehicle and Johnsons the Cleaners.

The funds raised will be distributed to local charities during the next few months.