HUNDREDS of families took to their doorsteps to see Santa Claus when he came to town.
Staff from The Heathcote in Leamington were accompanied by Father Christmas and Olaf from Disney film Frozen for a walking tour of Whitnash and Warwick Gates.
The team completed a five-mile circuit after being forced to cancel Christmas parties and a number of festive events when Warwickshire was put into Tier 3 restrictions.
General manager Andy Griffin organised the event after hearing there would not be a Santa’s sleigh locally this year.
He said: “The pub is the heart of the community and it’s a two-way relationship. We have been overwhelmed by the encouragement and support we’ve received during the two national lockdowns and Tier 3 restrictions, so having the opportunity to thank local residents in this way is incredible.
“We’ve been lucky enough to welcome Father Christmas to The Heathcote for the last three years, so we were delighted to hear he’d still be able to join our socially distanced alternative event this year.”
Despite not being intended as a fundraising event, many people showed their gratitude by purchasing gift vouchers for use at the pub and donating to the company’s nominated charity, Stand Up To Cancer.
Andy added: “This would normally be our busiest time of the year with Christmas parties, a bustling bar and festive family events. This year we have had the time and opportunity to do something totally different and the reaction has been fantastic. We are raising smiles, raising money for a worthy cause and definitely raising the bar for next year.”
