FATHER Christmas is continuing his visits across Halesowen and Rowley Regis this week after many youngsters have already come out to meet him.

Organised by Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club, Santa has visited a number of streets in the area on his illuminating sleigh during the past month, collecting money for local charities on his way round.

Thousands of pounds is raised every year for good causes by the club as the rotary’s team of bucket collectors follow Santa around the streets.

Santa and his helpers will be continuing the tour of their sleigh – which comes equipped with presents, lights and festive music – until Wednesday (December 20) after the weather has stopped the team from making some of their scheduled stops.

A spokesman for Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club said: “As usual we have had great support from the local community who have come out in their numbers to meet Santa.

“People really do look forwards to the sleigh coming out year after year, and it’s one of the highlights of the year for the club, although it takes a lot of work from many people to keep it going.

“We have had a fantastic year so far, although we have unfortunately had to reschedule a couple of the days due to the weather.

“This week has taken a hit because of the weather, but we have to make sure the streets are safe enough not only for our bucket collectors but all the families who come out.

“If we haven’t been able to make it to your road this year, we do apologise and hope you can come see us at one of our other stops.”

To find out when you can see the Halesowen and Rowley Regis Santa Sleigh tour, visit halesowenrowleyregisrotary.org/santas-sleigh.

Santa will be at Tesco in Cradley Heath between 4pm and 8pm on Friday (December 15), before heading to B&Q in Mucklow Hill between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.