A CHRISTMAS sleigh appeal has raised more than £10,000 for local good causes.

The Rotary Club of Turton is celebrating another bumper year of donations.

The club worked with the Bolton-le-Moors Rotary Club during the festive fundraiser, which ran for three weeks in the lead up to Christmas.

Father Christmas and his sleigh, with the help of snowmen, toured the streets of north Bolton, handing out sweets and collecting donations for local charities.

They also made appearances at supermarkets, where shoppers gave generously.

David Biggar, Rotary Club of Turton president, said: “I am delighted with the generous response from the people of Bolton.

“A lot of hard work goes into making sure the sleigh is operational, and our members give up their time generously, but it is all worthwhile when you see the look of joy on the children’s faces.

“It has been another successful year with donations hitting five figures and I can assure everyone that every penny collected will go towards worthy charities.” The Christmas Sleigh Appeal has been in operation for more than 20 years and has raised more than £250,000.

The group also want to thank organisations for their help during the appeal, including the RRG Toyota group, which provided a vehicle to tow the sleigh, and the Mercure Last Drop Hotel for the use of its facilities.

Peter Gaskell, chairman of the club’s community service committee, said: “Thanks also to supermarkets Morrisons in Harwood, Asda in Astley Bridge, and the Co-operative in Bromley Cross for allowing us to collect at their stores.

“We must not forget to thank our colleagues at the Rotary Club of Bolton-le-Moors for their help and assistance in what has proved to be a very successfulcollaboration.”

The money will be split between a range of local good causes.