FESTIVE fundraiser Rocking Rudolph looks to have raised almost £10,000 this Christmas.

He raised a whopping £4,706 in his appearances with Minster Lions.

He made flying visits to supermarkets across the city, as well as streets in Heworth, Huntington and Wigginton.

Organiser Gordon Harrison said: "It has gone really well."

Meanwhile Derwent Lions raised between £4,000 and £5,000 as they toured communities on York's eastern and southern outskirts with Rudolph.

Secretary Ken Sutcliffe said: "People were very generous and we appreciated the reception we got."

The colourful reindeer helps raise vital funds for the Lions' clubs, which then distribute the money among good causes in and around York.

Updated: 09:50 Monday, December 30, 2002