ON behalf of Minster Lions Club of York, I would like to sincerely thank the citizens of York, together with the thousands of visitors from all over the UK and the rest of the world, who donated to our Christmas appeal with Rocking Rudolph.

This year we have achieved a record total of £7,822.03 which is an outstanding result considering that the world appears to be in a considerably unsettled state together with Brexit seemingly providing a certain amount of nervousness throughout the country.

I would also like to thank my fellow Lions and our wonderful friends who came along and collected with us.

It was a tremendous effort by all – and very well done.

I particularly want to thank York Van Centre, who loaned us a vehicle again to tow Rudolph.

We are also grateful to City of York Council and Vangarde Shopping Centre for supporting us and allowing us to collect.

Thank you all again and we look forward to meeting you at one of our events in 2017.

We would also like to invite anyone who has an interest in becoming a Lion to contact us on lionsminster@gmail.com.

Our motto is “We serve” and as such we enjoy being part of the community, providing help and aid wherever there is a need.

We wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Robert James, Rocking Rudolph co-ordinator, Minster Lions Club of York, Roundhill Link, Clifton Moor, York