CHILDREN from Startforth were treated to an early visit by Santa Claus, thanks to parish councillors who organised a festive party at the community centre.
Cllr Pat Estall, chairman of Startforth Parish Council, said he was delighted to see so many children. He added: “It is great because we have had more people than last year.
“There are a lot of new families that have come along who weren’t here in previous years. It is a pleasure for us to put this Christmas party on for the children.”
It is the third party the parish council has organised and saw Teesdale DJ Andrew Nicholson mixing the decks to get the youngsters on their feet with dancing games.
Father Christmas made a special visit and handed out gifts. Cllr Estall added that he was grateful to everyone who attended the event and paid tribute to the community centre’s volunteer committee and urged more residents to use it.
He said: “It is thanks to the volunteers and the chairwoman Judith Rodwell – they all do an outstanding job keeping the centre running. They’re a great team.
“These events are so important for the community centre and if we don’t use it we will lose it.
“It takes a great amount of effort and a huge amount of time to put on these kind of events. If anyone wants to volunteer or help, I’m sure it will be appreciated.”
