Social Santa spreads festive cheer to children and charities in Burnley and Pendle

Matthew Eyre (37) bought and decorated his own sleigh to run a Social Santa drive through the streets of Pendle to raise money for two local charities, Pendle Dogs In Need and Depher.

And, thanks to support from local businesses, call centre worker Matthew was able to hand out £700 worth of sweets to children who had come out on to the streets to watch his sleigh and donate, and raise around £900 for the charities.

A humbled Matthew said: "I came up with the idea a few months ago to put a smile on people's faces over Christmas after what has been a difficult year. I converted the sleigh, undercoated it, glossed it and decorated it in October before taking it out.

"At first it was just me playing Santa and the original plan was to take it out for a week, but it soon became apparent that wasn't enough. In the end I had lots of people hellping me to play Santa as we drove the sleigh through Colne, Nelson, Foulridge, Laneshawbridge, Trawden and Barrowford.

"Seeing all the children and their parents coming out onto the streets was really heartwarming. It's definitely the most uplifting thing I've done in my life and I'm already making plans for next Christmas."

Matthew who was supported by Blossom Tree Nursery, Delta Taxis, Intelligent Communications, Pendle Kitchens and Angel Wings Art, also thanked the various Father Christmases who helped to make it happen.

"I couldn't have done it without Santa," he added. "I would like to thank everyone who supported us over the few weeks we did it. I still had some sweets left over at the end which I donated to Church on the Street in Burnley, to help the homeless."