SANTA will be taking a tour of Colchester ahead of Christmas Day.

For more that 40 years, Santa’s sleigh has been bringing festive cheer to families courtesy of the charitable group, Colchester Round Table 367.

Sponsorship and donations taken along the route has benefited a number of charities.

This year, the group has chosen to support Colchester Rough Sleepers Group, Beacon House, Colchester Emergency Night Shelter, Colchester Circle, the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, St Helena Hospice, Colchester Food Bank and The Robin Cancer Trust.

Several primary schools are also participating in a Santa’s sleigh colouring competition including St Michael’s Primary School, St George’s School, Prettygate Juniors and Infants schools, St James’ Primary School and Heathlands Primary School.

A winning entry from each school will be published on the Colchester Round Table 367 Facebook Page.

Cyril Thomas, of the group, said: “Bringing so many charities and businesses together to bring some festive cheer to the town and raise funds for charitable causes makes it all worthwhile.”

This year Colchester Round Table 367 will track Santa’s sleigh and publish details of its position on their Facebook page so children can see exactly where it is.

The route is:

  • Monday - leaving the corner of Exeter Drive and Guildford Road at 6pm
  • Tuesday - leaving the corner of Boadicea Way and Rayner Road at 6pm
  • Wednesday - leaving the corner of Maldon Road and Capel Road at 6pm
  • Thursday- leaving the corner of Port Lane and Artillery Street at 6pm
  • December 16 leaving the corner of Ambrose Avenue and Worthington Way at 6pm
  • December 17 leaving the corner of New Farm and Wheatfield Road at 6pm
  • December 18 leaving the corner of Maltings Park Road and Colchester Road at 6pm
  • December 19 leaving the corner of Baronswood Way and Oakapple Close at 6pm.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/colchesterroundtable367.