Rotary Club of Forres and Forres Fire Station accompany Santa Claus on a seven night tour of Forres before Christmas
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
SANTA said he didn't meet a single naughty child on his seven-night tour of Forres and Kinloss.
Visits to local housing estates in the lead up to Christmas - organised by Forres Rotary and Forres Fire Station - were met with beaming smiles all over.
Father Christmas confirmed his routes this year took in Kinloss, Pilmuir, Thornhill, Knockomie, St Leonard's Road, Bogton and Forbeshill, before a day at Tesco on Nairn Road.
He said: "The tour went very well. We had great support from Forres Fire Station and Forres Rotary. Thank you to everyone who turned out to greet us!
"The first night was very icy and the last nights were quite wet but overall it wasn't a problem. There were no other issues and everyone who came out met us safely."
He added: "There's always a look of wonderment when the kids realise that 'Santa is here'! My elf on the shelf is my driver - they think he's fantastic.
"One woman at Knockomie Braes said our tour is truly magical and her son really does believe when he sees us."
Santa's sleigh - sponsored by local businesses - is preceded by a fire engine's lights and siren.
"We had huge support from the Fire Station crew - their commitment is fantastic and their engine is great for drawing the crowds."
A Forres Fire Station spokesperson added: "We enjoy supporting Forres Rotary - they do a fantastic job in organising this annual event for the whole town.
"Please be safety aware throughout the festive period!"
There was a sizable turnout throughout the area but especially at Knockomie Braes and Forbeshill.
"There were lots of adults out at Sanquhar in particular giving us a wave too!" said Santa. "I reckon around 2000 people greeted us over the seven nights in total. They were out in gardens, on pavements and waving from windows.
"We spread joy amongst children of a younger age but residents of all ages are always happy to see us."
Forres Rotary makes bucket collections as they accompany St Nick on his rounds. You can still text FORRES to 70480 to donate £5 or visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/santastourofforres2023.
The Rotary team will total up and reveal which local worthy cause - or causes - will receive proceeds in the new year.
"This community is always so generous," said Santa. "The people of Forres make the donations so we like to put the cash back into the town."
Santa and his elves would again like to thank everyone for their support this year.
He said: "We'll be back next Christmas and try to get round as many areas as we can again.
"Thank you to the local businesses who support us and to Tesco for hosting us again on Saturday for anyone who didn't see us on the tour itself.
"I'm going to sit down and relax now before we start getting everything ready again for next year."
