It was lovely to be asked to be a helper for Father Christmas and his Benfleet Christmas Sleigh as it wound its way round the Woodside area at the weekend. 

Hundreds of children with their parents (and quite a few a bit older than children!) came out to get a wave or a photo from Santa and his beautifully decorated sleigh. 

Thank you to everyone who donated money in the bucket for local good causes and to the volunteers and police officers who gave up the time to escort him on his rounds. It is very much appreciated by the community. 

You can see the planned routes for tonight's sleigh ride and every other night he is out before Christmas by visiting the page of his special helper, Buddy the Elf.