A GROUP of Santa’s helpers raised more than £5,000 for various charities.

For more than 40 years, Colchester Round Table 367 has been assisting Santa in collecting for charitable causes and handing out treats to the families of Colchester.

This year, Santa’s Sleigh raised £5,035.

All funds raised will go to the Colchester Circle, Beacon House, the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, Colchester Emergency Night Shelter, Colchester Rough Sleepers Group, The Robin Cancer Trust, Colchester Foodbank and Colchester Round Table 367.

The vehicle was provided by Toni Kelly of Lookers Ford Colchester.

The round table thanked sponsors AGO Safety Services, Kew Law LLP, Whittles Accountants, Platinum Crown, Scrutton Bland, and Assets for Life.

Members thanked their sponsors and gave special thanks to St Helena Hospice, the main charity which provided elves to support collections.

Jo Clarke, of the hospice, helped to organise a colouring competition involving St George’s New Town Junior School, St James’ Primary School, Prettygate Infants and Prettygate Juniors schools and Heathlands Primary School.

Cyril Thomas, who is a member of Colchester Round Table 367, said: “This year, we expanded on the number of routes we covered by introducing the St Michael’s Estate. To see the ecstatic faces of hundreds of children as Santa showed up made it all worthwhile.

“We’re pleased to be able to continue supporting so many charities.”

Cheques for the cash raised will be presented to all of the charities at a special charity race night at Colchester Rugby Club.