FATHER Christmas was spotted last week helping a local charity raise nearly £1,000.

Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) paid a visit to Tesco in Lydney on Friday (December 15) and took a small display including SARA’s flood rescue boat, Rescue 5, the Incident Support Unit, and some of the mountain rescue and swift water rescue equipment it uses.

Collection co-ordinator, lifeboatman and land search team leader, Ian Roberts said: “This is the first collection we have held in Lydney for quite some time and we are immensely grateful to Tesco for giving us the opportunity.  

“Santa was on hand to greet younger people as they made their way home from school and ten crew members spent several hours outside the supermarket holding a bucket collection which brought in an amazing £953.

“Major thanks must go the people of Lydney and the surrounding area for their magnificent generosity. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.”