Santa at care home’s Christmas fête

SANTA Claus made an appearance at a Hartlepool care home Christmas fête – helping to raise hundreds for a festive day trip for residents.

Volunteers Jim Croll as Santa and Jenni Malt as his helper elf made an appearance at the event at Queens Meadow Care Home, on Stockton Road.

The pair greeted residents, visitors and their children at the fête, which included a variety of stalls selling Christmas gifts.

Baubles, stuffed toys, lanterns, candles and jewellery were some of the items on sale, generating over £215 for the residents’ fund.

An additional £25 has been donated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which Jim Croll also regularly raises funds for.

Julie Armstrong, home manager at Queens Meadow Care Home, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to our Christmas fête as well as all the stall holders.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to Santa Claus and his elf, as well as all the other staff who helped on the day. Everyone’s efforts made the day a huge success.”