Lions' Christmas charity drive raises £3,400

Avril Earnshaw, fundraising chairman, said: “We are really sorry that Santa and his helpers were not able to visit as many streets as usual due to the ice and snow.

“The safety of our members has to come first.

“So if we were unable to get Santa and his sleigh up your street, we are truly sorry and hope that the weather next Christmas will allow us to complete our rounds as usual.”

If anyone missed seeing Santa on his round and would like to make a donation, please call Avril on 01424 225453.

She added: “We wish to say a big thank you to the people of Bexhill for their continuing generosity.

“The Christmas donations will help us to respond positively to calls for help in the coming year - we are always interested in hearing from those in Bexhill in need of support.”

During the collections a resident pointed out that official Lions collectors had been pre-empted in some streets by youngsters claiming to be part of the fund-raising effort.

Avril said: “The Lions wish to stress that they do NOT have children collecting for them and all Lions’ collectors have tins and tabards clearly identifying them as official collectors.”

More information about the Lions and how they support those in need is available by calling 0845 833 9591.