THE magic of Christmas has been brought to people's homes across mid Cheshire this December as Santa Claus tried to meet as many children as he could before Christmas Eve.

Father Christmas visited towns and villages across the district with a little help from his friends at the Rotary Club of Northwich Vale Royal, the Rotary Club of Winsford and Middlewich and Northwich and Middlewich Round Tables.

On Wednesday, December 17, Santa was also joined by Northwich town mayor Cllr Alison Gerrard and Guardian chief reporter Gina Bebbington who went out with the sleigh in Rudheath.

"It was lovely," said Cllr Gerrard.

"It was so nice seeing so many children coming out to meet Santa, and older people were thrilled to see him as well.

"It definitely put me in the Christmassy mood."

As Santa and his little helpers made their way around the roads of Rudheath it was heartwarming to see families gathering on corners and at their garden gates to see St Nick.

At times he was surrounded by a crowd of youngsters all eager to have their photograph taken with him and nod solemnly when asked if they had been good this year.

As the evening wore on pyjama-clad children waved from their bedroom windows or came running out in their wellies and onesies.

Residents were also keen to donate to the good causes that the Rotary Club of Northwich Vale Royal supports and the collection on just that one night raised more than £370.

Rotarian Steve Wheat said: "I never cease to be amazed at our communities' generosity to helping good causes and children's charities in particular, which is where all monies collected will be donated."

Cllr Gerrard said: "I want to say a massive thank you because without people's generosity, fundraising for local charities wouldn't happen.

"In two hours to raise that much is really incredible."

She added: "I think the Rotary and RoundTable do a cracking job.

"They raise such a lot of money throughout the year for local charities and the Santa sleigh ride is quite a big thing in their fundraising calendar."