A HOUSE builder got into the festive mood by donating cash to a Christmas event.

Bellway Essex donated £1,000 to Hatfield Peverel’s Christmas in the Park event, at the village hall, in Maldon Road, with the money going to Santa’s grotto.

About 1,000 adults and delighted children attended the event, with youngsters able to meet Santa.

Bellway Essex is developing two sites in the village, and the company said it wanted to find a way to give something back.

Braintree and Witham Times: Festive - Evie Truman, Carly Truman, Hope Aston-Jones and Maia Truman, Callum Craik, Santa and Amelia Craik pictured in Santa's grotto at the event in Hatfield PeverelFestive - Evie Truman, Carly Truman, Hope Aston-Jones and Maia Truman, Callum Craik, Santa and Amelia Craik pictured in Santa's grotto at the event in Hatfield Peverel (Image: Bellway Essex)

Sales director Jenny Walker said: “As we are building at our Hatfield Grove and Priory Grange developments in the village, we wanted to find a way to give something back to the community this festive season.

“And what could be better than inviting Santa and his reindeer to be there for the afternoon and providing some presents for the children who visited the grotto.

“It was magical to see them so excited about meeting Father Christmas and the reindeer.

“Christmas in the Park is hugely popular locally and once again it attracted a big crowd and gave people an opportunity to get together with their neighbours to enjoy a wonderfully happy occasion.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Christmas time - Hope Aston-Jones, sales advisor, and Carly Truman, assistant clerk of Hatfield Peverel Council, pictured with the reindeer at the Christmas in the park event Christmas time - Hope Aston-Jones, sales advisor, and Carly Truman, assistant clerk of Hatfield Peverel Council, pictured with the reindeer at the Christmas in the park event (Image: Bellway Essex)

Revellers could enjoy the magical switch-on of the Christmas tree, watch a magician perform, have their face painted, and browse the food and craft stalls.

Families were also treated to songs from St Andrew’s Junior School and Hatfield Peverel Infant school choir.

Carly Truman, assistant clerk of Hatfield Peverel Council, said: “Hatfield Peverel Council was excited to host Christmas in the Park, an afternoon of festive fun at the village hall.

“We are very grateful for the support from Bellway – their contribution towards our event helped us create a joyful and festive experience for everyone attending.”