A SERIES of Christmas-themed events in a village near Oswestry has raised more than £200 for a suicide prevention charity.

A ‘Track Santa’ Christmas float, a light switch-on and Santa’s Grotto in Weston Rhyn raised a total of £250 after being put together by a group of residents.

The chosen charity was Papyrus – a charity which aims to prevent suicide in young people, in memory of Tom Mills from the village.

Julie Lockley who helped to put the Christmas events together and raise money, said she was pleased to see so many people showing their support this year.

She said: “We did a Track Santa style float around Weston Rhyn and neighbouring villages, and on the way we took buckets to raise money for our chosen charity. “We did the Christmas lights switch-on and a Santa’s Grotto as well. “Every year this event seems to be getting bigger – we had between 200 and 300 people outside for the switch-on which was fantastic.

“We’re trying to raise as much as we can each year, but it’s all for the children here what we do here every year.

“Papyrus is a charity that helps so many people and it’s needed in areas like Oswestry and nearby. The more recognition they get as a charity, the more people will come forward and open up and talk more.

“Thanks to everyone who donated money and helped out – people from the village and Cadbury’s in Chirk donated sweets for the float to hand out. It was absolutely fantastic.”

Sher Mills, mother of Tom, said she and her husband Richard were pleased to know the money was being donated in memory of their son.

“This is the village where Tom grew up,” she said. “And We’re very grateful that the group is choosing to donate this money to Papyrus in memory of Tom.

“This village meant a lot to him and we’re eternally grateful for their donation.

“We were blown away when they told us they wanted to donate to Papyrus.”