A VILLAGE received a special guest visit from Santa in a bid to raise funds for a new centre.

Latchingdon invited Father Christmas to sleigh ride around their streets last week to greet residents while collecting money for a new village hall and play equipment.

The special visit, arranged by members of Latchingdon Parish Council (LPC), raised £163 for the fund.

Organiser and Chairman of LPC, Lynn Robinson, said: “The event was very well received by the people of Latchingdon.

“Seeing the children’s faces is the best part - it will definitely be happening next year.

“A massive thank you to everybody who helped on the night and all the business who donated sweets and money.”

Resident Kim Cruickshank Perryman said: “I loved that the village arranged this for the children.

“I am relatively new to Latchingdon and motherhood, and I can’t thank the people who arranged this enough, for not only making my daughters night, but for also creating a sense of community.”

Another resident, Katy Jay, said: “I haven't been in Latchingdon very long but it's such a community focused village.

“The visit from Santa and his elves made my sons day as well as all the other children.”