PROVIDING they have been good, residents can rest assured Santa will visit the Spa this year - he's just had his sleigh serviced.

Each year, Droitwich Spa Round Table members take Santa around the streets of Droitwich in his illuminated sleigh to meet children and raise cash for local charities.

But this Christmas the outlook was grim. Santa's sleigh was in such a sorry state, it was touch and go whether Santa would actually make his rounds. Then Midlands Electricity stepped in with a £1,000 gift, to pay for a complete overhaul on the sleigh.

Droitwich Spa Round Table chairman David Lockett said: "Santa's old sleigh was nearly 10 years old and was in a pretty poor state. His visits around Droitwich are very much an annual event - if he didn't appear on the streets this Christmas, it would definitely leave a void."

He continued: "The sleigh gives tremendous pleasure to the people of Droitwich Spa as well as raising funds. It's also used to take Santa to children's parties.

Midlands Electricity spokesperson Beverley Harrington said: "We were pleased to be help ensure that Santa's annual visits to Droitwich continue."