ROTARY York Ainsty has raised more than £6,800 for charity by taking Santa and his sleigh to Acomb, Bishopthorpe, Copmanthorpe, Middlethorpe, Nether and Upper Poppleton and Woodthorpe.

President Dick Powell said young children were delighted with a first glimpse of Father Christmas on the float, and older folks were pleased by fond memories of an event which went back decades.

He said certain collections were specifically dedicated to York charities, the Wilberforce Trust, Door 84 (Youth Club), Copmanthorpe Scouts and York Mind, each of which provided “elves” and a Santa for their evening. He thanked people for their generous support.