Santa’s sleigh is on its way to tour our city streets

THE Rotary Club’s Santa Sleigh will still tour Derby this year, the charity has announced.

Families in Littleover, Mickleover and Chellaston will get the chance to see Santa over the coming weeks.

However, social distancing restrictions will be in place and there will be no collections on the night. Instead, people have been asked to wave from their windows or doorsteps and give money via text to help vulnerable young people across the county.

Through new tools created by Derby digital agency Think3, families can also donate to request a personalised letter from Santa or book a telephone chat with himself or one of his elves.

Money raised will benefit two local charities. One is Safe and Sound, which supports young people who are victims of, or at risk of, child exploitation. The other is Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, which organises seaside holidays for disadvantaged children.

Despite changes to the usual tradition, the Rotary Club is hoping it can still spread some Christmas spirit to families across the city.

Les Bryan, president of the Rotary Club of Derby, said: “As well as bringing much needed festive cheer to families, we have raised thousands of pounds for local charities over the years. Our aim this year is to generate even more much-needed funds for Safe and Sound and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre who both support some of the most vulnerable children in our local communities.”

The routes, subject weather conditions are.

Tonight: Chellaston start at West Avenue South then Sinfin Moor Lane, Maple to

Drive and Sutton Lane.

Tomorrow: Mickleover start at Burlington Way then Portland Close, Wade Drive and Arundel Avenue

Wednesday: Off Radbourne Lane Mickleover. Starting at Samual Road around the estate via Skitteridge Road, finishing at Grange Road

Thursday: Mickleover starting at Devonshire Drive then Buxton Drive via Murray Road, finishing at Brisbane Road

Friday: Littleover starting at Haven Baulk Avenue and finishing at Matthew Way

Next Monday: Mickleover starting at Jackson Avenue via Chain Lane, Muirfield Drive and finishing at South Drive

Next Tuesday: Mickleover starting at Inglewood Avenue then to Ladybank Road, finishing at Kingsmuir Road

Next Wednesday: Littleover start at Crich Avenue via Bretton Avenue Princes Drive, finishing at Balmoral Close.