The Rotary Club of Loddon Vale (RCLV) has thanked locals for their generosity in achieving impressive Christmas float collections.

For the past 45 years, the club has brought much-need magic during the festive season with its colourful Santa sleigh touring nearby streets to spread seasonal excitement local children.

Christmas 2018 was no exception, with no fewer than 10 sleigh routes criss-crossing the conurbation and six static locations outside stores, which provided an opportunity for children and families to enjoy the carols as well as Santa in the build up to the big day.

There were even occasions when Rotarians were heard singing requested Christmas carols without musical accompaniment to shoppers in restaurants and stores.

The Christmas float collections are a main part of the club's annual charity fundraising effort, and a fantastic total of almost £9,500 was raised thanks to the generosity of residents.

The money will be distributed to worthy local causes throughout 2019.

The club would like to extend a huge thank you to the kind residents of Woodley, Sonning, Earley, Twyford, Winnersh and the surrounding areas for donating to the RCLV Santa Sleigh.

Additionally, the club would like to thank Woodley Town Centre and local supermarkets for allowing the to collect outside their premises.

This fundraising activity goes towards supporting many local charities including: Just Around the Corner, Addington School Thumbs-Up Club, the CommuniTrees project, the Friends of Woodford Park, the Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group Pantomime for children with special needs, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, the Berkshire Egg Run, Reading Launchpad, Reading Street Pastors and many more.

RCLV, as well as Santa and his helpers, would like to say thank you very much and hope everyone has a happy, healthy and prosperous 2019.