MORE than 500 people turned out to see Santa sail into Clacton on the town’s lifeboat.
Father Christmas ditched his sleigh and braved chilly seas to deliver presents to youngsters during the event at the lifeboat station on Sunday.
More than 180 youngsters also visited Santa in his grotto at Martello Bay.
Helmsman Tim Sutton said: “When Santa arrived at Martello Bay it was packed – there must have been 500 people.
“The youngsters also visited Santa in his grotto and every child was given a free gift to take away.
“The town does a lot for the lifeboat and this is the crew’s way of saying thank you.
“Without their support and donations, the lifeboat would not have the vital equipment we need.”
Crew members also took gifts to children at Colchester Hospital and the cancer unit at Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital on Saturday.
For the full story, see Thursday's Clacton Gazette.
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