CHIPPENHAM Lions have been bringing the magic of Christmas to residents in the area with its traditional Santa float.

The sleigh, complete with flashing lights, Santa’s grotto and Christmas tree, has been touring through Corsham and Chippenham over the past three weeks visiting children.

The annual tradition raises thousands of pounds every year for local charities as well as spreading festive joy.

Jim Dutch, a member of the Chippenham Lions for 25 years and chair of the Christmas sub-committee, said: “It’s gone very well I’m very pleased, people have been marvellous and very generous.

“What’s very nice is people are out there and the children are out there, it’s been truly excellent.

“I would like to think we have had more people come out this year but who can tell, it just depends on the sort of route we go out on.

“I’ve heard people say it isn’t Christmas until the Lions turn up and other people saying they remember when they were small and they used to see them come around.”

The sleigh, which is donated by Lackham College, began its tour in Corsham on December 1 and has travelled over 18 days through various streets and finishes today (Thursday, December 22) on Greenway Lane in Chippenham.

“I would think we have raised £10,000 as we speak [on Tuesday] but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we got to eleven or twelve thousand by the end because people have been so generous,” added Mr Dutch.

“All that money will go to local charities in Chippenham and Corsham and we’re particular hoping to make some donations to Julia’s House and St Nicholas School.”