SANTA’S COMING to Rochford this Christmas, helped by his band of snowmen from the Rotary Club.

Children and families will get to meet Santa and have their photos taken with him at 15 locations between November 28 and December 22.

Over the last three years, Rochford Rotary Club has raised more than £40,000 for good causes, both through its Santa visits and annual golf days.

Club Secretary Keith Holdsworth told the Echo: “This year, we’re trying to support as many local charities as we can, including Havens Hospices, the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, and mental health charity Trust Links.

“We’ve also got collection points at lots of local supermarkets.”

Rochford Rotary Club formed in 1985 and has held Santa visits for well over 30 years. Since “taking the reins” in the 1990s, Mr Holdsworth says children come out to visit “Santa” in their droves.

He added: “They love having their pictures taken with Father Christmas. I must dress up in full costume at least 20 times over the festive period.”

Neighbourhood visits start at around 6.15pm. Find out when Santa and his snowmen will be visiting a neighbourhood or supermarket near you, below:

  • Tuesday 28 November: Betts Farm estate area (leaving from Buckingham Road)
  • Thursday 30 November: Wedgewood estate area (leaving from Wedgewood Way)
  • Saturday 2 December: Factory Shop (Purdeys Industrial Estate)
  • Sunday 3 December: Rochford Christmas Light Switch-On (Central Rochford)
  • Tuesday 5 December: Holt Farm estate area (leaving from Eastbury Avenue)
  • Wednesday 6 December: Factory Shop (Purdeys Industrial Estate)
  • Thursday 7 December: Westwood estate area (leaving from Belchamps Way)
  • Friday 8 December: Morrisons (Western Approaches, Eastwood)
  • Saturday 9 December: Waitrose (Fossetts Way, Southend)
  • Sunday 10 December: Waitrose (Fossetts Way, Southend)
  • Tuesday 12 December: Central Rochford (leaving from Stillwells)
  • Thursday 14 December: Canewdon area (leaving from Anchor pub)
  • Friday 15 December: Lidl (Rayleigh Road, Eastwood)
  • Saturday 16 December: Lidl (Rayleigh Road, Eastwood)
  • Monday 18 December: Morrisons (Western Approaches, Eastwood)
  • Tuesday 19 December: Golden Cross area (leaving from Canewdon View Road)
  • Thursday 21 December: Sainsburys (Rayleigh Weir)
  • Thursday 21 December: Elizabeth Gardens area (leaving from Elizabeth Gardens)
  • Friday 22 December: Sainsburys (Rayleigh Weir)
  • Friday 22 December: Spencer Gardens area (leaving from Clements Hall)

Sadly, the sleigh tracker which children could previously use to follow Santa’s journey is not available this year.