SANTA Claus has been spending a lot of his valuable time in Winsford, with people in the town giving him a warm winter welcome.

And Winsford and Middlewich rotary club has helped Santa around on his travels by supplying him with a colourful float from which to dispense sweets out to deserving children.

In the past Winsford round table helped out with a sleigh for Santa in his travels around the town, but following the club's demise the rotary club has proved itself more than capable of organising the event.

Rotarian Ian Anstice said: "The float has been a superb success and we have managed to raise a lot of money for charity already.

"We think we have managed to go through most areas of Winsford but unfortunately due to a lack of time and health and safety reasons we are not able to go to every part of the town.

"But everywhere we have visited the looks on children's faces have been fantastic - the float has really brought Christmas to Winsford.

"And it has not just been children who have seen the float. People of all ages, even pensioners have come out to see Santa."

Colin Cook, president of the club added: "Santa's float is an essential part of Christmas for the children of Winsford and I am honoured that he has chosen the rotary club to help him this year.

"Indeed, many people who have grown up in the town - including some Rotarians - would not feel that it is Christmas without the float."

The float will visit the Wharton Road and Wharton Park area on December 18.

On Thursday Santa will attempt to visit any areas he has missed out on his travels, before returning to the North Pole for his final Christmas preparations.