Santa has been stoned by youths in Witham.

Christmas spirit - Witham's Rotary Club Santa and his team in the town

It is the second time in recent years Father Christmas has been attacked by a gang while on his festive round in the town.

This year's attack came as a particular blow as Santa had taken extra precautions against rowdy youths.

A team of helpers dressed as security guards had been enlisted to protect him.

But the thugs still managed to hurl stones at Santa and tried to rip the lights off his sleigh as he visited Dengie Close, off Howbridge Road.

Santa and his sleigh visits Witham streets and greets youngsters every year during Witham Rotary Club's Christmas collection.

Organiser Peter Lawrence said: "They threw a few stones but we just tried to ignore them. They also tried to take lights off the back of the van as well.

"They've got no control. The children are outside and their parents don't worry about them."

In 1997, youths threw stones and mud at the Rotary Club Father Christmas on the Humber Road Estate.

And this year they had already decided to avoid the estate because it was too "violent."

Mr Lawrence said they didn't want to bother with the Humber Road estate this year because of the 1997 attack.

He added: "We've got other routes that we can go on where we're more appreciated and without the violence."

Sharon Chamberlain, a member of the Humber Road Residents' Association, is disappointed that Father Christmas does not visit her estate.

She added: "It's a shame a few children have spoiled it for all the rest. A little bit of Christmas cheer is what Humber Road needs. It has really changed around here and improved a lot. I just wish there is something we could do."

Santa will visit the Highfields Road and Armond Road areas at about 6pm tonight.

Published Wednesday December 12, 2001