FAMILIES will be asked to cheer and clap Santa on his sleigh run in Holmes Chapel this year.

The change is one of a number for the 2020 sleigh run because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The event is run by Holmes Chapel Partnership, and is due to take place next month, with people being asked not to approach the sleigh.

In addition those taking part will not be able to accept money from the public.

Partnership project officer Peter Whiers said: "Things will be a little different this year.

"Holmes Chapel has a tradition of Santa’s sleigh coming around the estates in the evenings during December.

"The sleigh is manned by different groups each night and a collection is made, the profits are then distributed to the groups who help with the sleigh.

"Normally, the sleigh will stop for children to come out and allow them to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas.

"This year, due to Covid restrictions, Santa will come around the estates on his sleigh and you are invited to cheer and clap, a bit like the Thursday night clap for the NHS.

"You are asked not to approach the sleigh. We will use the Sleigh tracker so you will be able to see where Santa is on any night."

The sleigh will travel slowly and stop at specified locations around the village.

It will not be able to accept money from the public, but people will be encouraged to donate through JustGiving, the profits of which will be distributed to groups who have helped with the sleigh.