Santa has not only been busy delivering presents to well behaved boys and girls this Christmas, he has also eked out some time from his full-on schedule to help Surbiton Rotary Club collect donations for local good causes.

Among those benefiting from a record-breaking £7,400 in 15 nights of door-to-door collections around the streets of Surbiton and Chessington will be Kingston Foodbank, Yorda Adventures, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness and the Alfriston Day Centre.

President of the rotary club, Jeremy Thorn, said “We were a bit concerned that, having been unable to collect last year, we would struggle to do well.

“On the contrary, people in Surbiton, Chessington, Berrylands and Tolworth welcomed us back with great generosity.

“To us, it’s not just about raising money, but also about bringing joy to the community.”

The rotary club has collected thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes from its December collections over the past 50 years, and for many residents, the sound of the Rotary sleigh broadcasting carols and festive songs as it makes its way down their street is the beginning of Christmas.

Donations to the rotary club’s charity appeal can also be made through Text Giving. Just text rotarysanta and the amount you wish to donate to 70085. Normal network charges apply.