ROTARY club members received donations of more than £5,000 thanks to a festive fundraising drive.

Westhoughton Rotary Club collected funds from all over the town with the Rotary Sleigh Event, which thrilled local children while helping to raise money for worthy causes.

In total, the event raised £5,032 as the sleigh made its way around the area.

Westhoughton Rotary President Anya Bailey said: "The excellent total raised means that the Club can continue to support local organisations and good causes with vitally needed funds during 2022 as well as running our own community events.

"Our tour was launched by a special on-line video message from Rotary Father Christmas.

"Since that launch, thousands of local people have viewed him and then followed our sleigh eagerly on our social media pages."

As well as raising money, the event helped spread festive cheer and excitement around Westhoughton.

Ms Bailey said: "Many thanks to all those who added their great photos and passed on the message that we were on our way.

"The queues of excited children, and adults told their own story.

"The thousands of coins and many notes in our collection all added up, every penny helps and the plastic bank notes were once again a really appreciated boon especially on the nights when the weather was wet.”

“Night after night, people told us how thrilled they were to see the sleigh back on their street. For so many people, the arrival of our sleigh marks the real start of Christmas, that welcome was echoed by newcomers to the town who were equally delighted to see and hear us.”

She added: "As well as our wonderful community, I’d like to thank the Rotarians, members of Inner Wheel and everyone who has helped us in setting up our wonderful sleigh and collecting night after night.

"A big thank you to KIA at Middlebrook for exclusive use of yet another Christmas car to pull our sleigh, we really do appreciate having a great car each year as our reindeer."

"Finally, a big thank you and best wishes for 2022 to everyone who has supported us in any way."