Dear Editor.

Once again I am blown away by the generosity of the people in Newton Aycliffe. Husband Ron and myself were privileged to join Rotary, as ‘Friends’ and we volunteered to help them on their annual Christmas rounds of some of the streets of the town with Santa.

We were amazed by the decorations to the houses, which gave the evening a festive feel. It was frosty with glistening pavements all adding to the seasonal background. Heeled boots weren’t the best footwear and it made walking particularly difficult.

Towards the end of the two hour collection I was happy for a lift in the van towing Santa’s sleigh. I believe the reindeers were having a holiday prior to the particularly busy time on the 24th.

Santa rang his bell to let the children know he was around and their faces lit up when they saw the man in red with his tell tale suit, hat, white hair and beard.

The children, shy initially, beamed when they had their photographs taken with him. Santa was accompanied by his little elf who was handing out lollies.

We look forward to helping the Rotary Club more in the future.

Ron and Joan Mitchie

Chairman and Secretary GACAP

Two “Friends of Rotary”.

Sent to the Editor of the Newton News. If you have a local story or letter you wish to be published, please send to syd@newtonnews.co.uk