Santa Sleigh visit brings festive cheer and community support to North Tawton

A Santa Sleigh organised by Okehampton District Round Table brought festive cheer to North Tawton on Friday night, with organisers reporting a record number of volunteers taking part.

Families gathered along the streets as children met Santa during the visit. 

Donations collected during the evening will be reinvested into community projects across the local area. 

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Organisers said the event showed strong community support, adding that they had not previously seen such a high level of volunteer involvement.

A special thanks was given to the Friends of North Tawton School (FONTS) for helping to support the evening. 

Organisers said their contribution played an important role in the smooth running of the visit.

After completing the North Tawton route at around 9pm, Santa made an unplanned stop in Exbourne. 

During the visit, a village pub quiz was briefly interrupted so that a £1,000 donation could be presented towards the rebuilding of the village play park. 

The play park was destroyed by arson several years ago and plans are ongoing to replace it.

Chairman Chris Brown-Martin said the success of the event depended on local support: “This only happens because of the generosity of the public and the dedication of our volunteers and their families. 

“It’s long, cold, wet nights, but seeing communities come together makes every minute worthwhile.”

Santa’s Sleigh will continue its route across the district later this month, and on Thursday 19 December, is due to visit Sticklepath, South Zeal and South Tawton. 

The following evening, Friday 20 December, the sleigh will travel from South Tawton through to Hatherleigh, in what will be Santa’s final visit of the year.

Residents are reminded that whenever Santa is seen out in the district, all money donated goes directly towards supporting local people and community projects. 

Organisers thanked everyone who volunteered, donated or supported the event, and said the continued backing of local communities makes the annual Santa Sleigh possible.

Residents also shared positive feedback on social media, praising the Round Table for their work, with comments including “Awesome! Fantastic work all involved” and “Fantastic evening. Very well done to all involved”.