Newport Rotary Lite Sleigh visits town

The Newport Rotary Lite Sleigh collected more than £4,600 for their charities last year – the first year he decided to visit Newport early – and this year will visit almost every street in Newport, Edgmond and Lilleshall over 17 nights, as well as most pubs and Waitrose.

Newport Rotary Lite's Andy Butler said: “Santa and his sleigh got such a huge response last year that he said he’d come back this year and do even more of our area this year.

"He’s in his sleigh – it’s difficult to miss, it’s large, bright red, covered in lights and plays carols – and he’s been giving out sweets to well behaved parents and children. This isn’t very elfy, but then again it’s Christmas.

"It’s quite a job to help Santa as there are eight Newport Rotary Lite members and helpers with his sleigh every night, but Santa gets such a fabulous response it’s worth it – as well as raising money for Newport Rotary Lite good causes. Despite the snowy weather we’ve had mums, dads, kids and even grandparents waiting on street corners for the sleigh, and we’ve had some lovely, lovely comments from people. Santa is definitely good for your elf.”

The route this year is bigger than ever, taking in sites in Newport and the surrounding villages.

Today St Nick is on Daniels Cross and Mere Park Gardens, with a trip to Avenue Road, Audley Park, Underhill Close, Meadow Road and the New Inn planned for tomorrow.

On Saturday he'll visit Broadway, Meadow View and Barnmeadow Road, with plans to go to Boughey Road, Ford Road and Sandiford Crescent on Sunday.

On Monday he'll travel to Brookside Avenue, Silverdale Close, Greenfield Drive and Cowslip Acres, as well as Ashworth Way, Wallshead and St Andrews Way on Tuesday. On Wednesday he will travel to The Close, Greenvale and Pinewoods.

Next Thursday he'll land in Edgmond, and on Friday (December 22) he will be in Lilleshall.