Sandbach's annual Santa sleigh ride is on again and this year there's a change to the popular event.

Sandbach Ladies Circle has teamed up with Sandbach Town Council who are providing the vehicle to tow Santa around the town.

The town council agreed at a recent meeting to lend one of its vehicles to get the sleigh off to a flying start.

And a number of other voluntary groups are providing volunteers to help out at the popular

A spokesperson for Sandbach Town Council said: "Santa's sleigh has been travelling around Sandbach for decades and in 2021 Sandbach Ladies Circle took the lead for ensuring that children across the town had a visit from Father Christmas.

"This year, Sandbach Ladies Circle have re-established the long- standing tradition of working alongside other community groups to help support this annual event, so that all the funds raised are supporting both Sandbach Ladies Circle and other voluntary groups in the town.

"This is where the Sandbach Town Council have stepped in and at the Community and Environment Committee on the 17th November it was agreed that the Council would lend one of its vehicles to get the sleigh off to a flying start.

"This then means that all funds raised are directly going to support the volunteers and groups across Sandbach."

From December 1st until December 15th, volunteers will be provided by different voluntary groups and the funds raised will then be split between Sandbach Ladies circle and the voluntary group on the night.

Councillor Geraint Price-Jones, chair of the Community and Environment committee said: "I am delighted that Sandbach Town Council will be supporting Santa and his elves to visit homes across Sandbach this year.

Cllr Geraint Price Jones, chair of Sandbach Town Council's the Community and Environment committee

"As a result of council support, it means that every penny raised goes to local voluntary organisations which make such a difference to our community."

Alex Bramhill one of the Sandbach Ladies Circle organisers said: "I have lived in Sandbach for many decades and as a child I remember Father Christmas visiting my home – it was one of my happiest memories.

"Sandbach Ladies Circle stepped in to take over the flying of Santa's Sleigh in 2021 when it's future was uncertain. Sandbach Ladies Circle are absolutely delighted to be working with Sandbach Town Council and voluntary groups this year to make this festive tradition the best one yet."

From the 1st to the 12th December Santa and his elves will be on their whistle stop tour of our town spreading Christmas cheer and raising money to support local causes.

Donations can be made on the night in cash or via our just giving page here:

https://www.justgiving.com/.../sandbachladiescirclesantas...