Sixty-eight santa Clauses enjoyed a game of golf in Colchester.

Fore! Well, 68 actually Santa, aka Mike Akin, with fellow Father Christmas lookalikes at Lexden Wood Golf Club. (39989-1)

Painter-decorators and tradesmen donned suits and stick-on beards to head out on the fairways at Lexden Wood Golf Club.

As well as the normal course fees, all paid a donation to the Evening Gazette's Sparkle Appeal for the privilege of taking part.

It is hoped a total of more than £1,400 will be raised, boosted by a raffle and substantial contributions from the two biggest firms involved South-East Painting and JCH Contracts.

Organiser Phil Chapel said, as well as a chance to benefit a good cause, the annual event was an opportunity for the group to get together and have fun at Christmas.

He said: "Most of us are definitely not very good golfers. To be honest, we drink a lot more than we actually play golf!"

Published Tuesday, December 21, 2004

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