Thousands of pounds – and a rather strange selection of items - have been raised for local good causes by Santa's sleigh rides through Maldon, Heybridge and the surrounding villages in the weeks before Christmas.

The cheering sight in the midst of a challenging year brought cheer to many children and adults as Maldon and Heybridge Blackwater Rotary Club and Maldon Rotary Club took to the streets to bring the community a socially-distanced but still spectacular version of the popular annual event.

Maldon Rotary Club raised a whopping £3,741.39 plus washers, a nut, assorted foreign coins, some supermarket trolley coins and a dog tag.

Heybridge Blackwater took a total of £2,778.52 + €10.10 assorted foreign coins, two supermarket trolley coins and some and diamonds.

Both clubs have more to come from the joint JustGiving web page which will close at the end of this week. Anyone wishing to make a donation before then can visit the page via the link here.

James Howard, of Maldon Rotary Club, said: "We at Maldon Rotary Club have noticed extra appreciation this year and it was a pleasure for our teams to bring a little joy in these difficult times. Best wishes for a happy New Year."

And Malcom Myles, president of Heybridge Blackwater Rotary Club, added: "On a personal note this Christmas collection has made a massive difference to me as I saw the joy it gave on the routes as Santa came round.

"We have gained three or four new members and look forward to the New Year with the hope that the club will now survive. Have a happy New Year."