SANTA’S slightly big helpers – the Lions Club of March- have raised hundreds of pounds this Christmas using their newly rebuilt sleigh.

An early outing for Santa and his sleigh was to accompany the Mayor of March, Councillor Jan French, as they headed for the town’s Christmas lights switch on.

John Potter, Lions press officer, said: “The sleigh has been recently refurbished with extra new lighting and a new chassis.”

He said the Lions were grateful to Fenland Breakers for the batteries and seating;

Artificial Grass Cambs for the Astroturf; John Drewitt and Trevor Stockbridge of March Lions for the rebuild and W.M.S. Music for the sound system, which was kindly funded by the mayor.

Mr Potter said: “This year the sleigh has further uses as both Tesco and Sainsbury’s have kindly agreed to allow Christmas collections, using the sleigh, to take place on their premises.

“The collections will help to fund the Lions’ support for local charities and organisations.”

At the first on Sunday at Tesco they raised �430.33. Lions also held tombola and the Christmas hamper was won by Mr Fisher of Carpenter’s Way, Doddington.

Further collections will be made on December 14 and 15 at Sainsbury’s. Santa will be on hand with sweets for the ‘young’.

Mr Potter said: “Again, through the generosity of local suppliers, the Lions will be preparing Christmas hampers to support local families. This year the hampers will be distributed through the Ormiston Trust.”

Lions, as usual, are providing their local delivery service for Christmas cards.