By Isle of Wight Observer
Santa made a flying visit, as part of the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat ‘Santa at The Gate’ day, in Freshwater Bay on Sunday, December 14.
Lucky children were treated to a free present and mince pie, from Santa and his canine friend, Cooper.
Principal fund-raiser, Rod Adams, said: “It was a great day and a huge thanks to all who made the grotto an amazing success.
“Santa spoke to 121 children, the atmosphere in The Gate was fantastic, and the crew dancers outside helping people across the road were outstanding.
“The amazing total raised on the day was £1,761, including £205 in the crew dancers’ bucket. We were helped along by our special canine friend, Cooper, with his hand-made collection panniers!”
Earlier in the morning the Freshwater crew, before moving on to grotto duty, spent two hours clearing tons of stones from the promenade.
The stones had blown up off from the beach in the recent high winds, covering the promenade and making it unpassable before the clear-up operation.