RESIDENTS of a Forest care home are hoping for an early Christmas present in the shape of a community-spirited volunteer.

Every Christmas morning, for more than 15 years, residents at Townsend House in Mitcheldean have received a visit from Santa.

This year their regular volunteer will not be available so they are hoping somebody will step in to fill his shoes.

The home’s support co-ordinator, Jane Lunn, said: “We are hoping somebody will come forward and be Santa for our residents.

“He normally comes in at about 10.30am and it takes about an hour or so.

“We have 38 residents here at the moment and those who can gather in the day centre and then he goes around the rest of the home.

“We have a suit but we need someone to wear it.

“To not have Santa calling would be very sad for the residents because a lot of residents remember it year in, year out.”

Anyone interested in helping can contact the home by calling 01594 542611.