THOUSANDS of pounds were raised by the people of Leigh over the Christmas period.

Father Christmas has been travelling around the area in his sleigh, visiting as many children as possible and enabling the Leigh Rotarians to collect £12,265 which will be donated to local charities.

Rotary President Frank Bowker said: “The wonderful sum we have collected once again shows the generosity of the people of Leigh toward those in need.

“We are hugely grateful and promise to put the money to good use. I would also like to thank Bents, Asda and Morrisons for letting us collect on their premises.”

Last year, the sleigh collections were donated to a variety of causes including £1100 for a specialist wheel chair for a disabled athlete, £200 for the Parish Organ Fund, £500 for Leigh ARLFC and £389 for Leigh Young Carers Support Group.