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Santa Claus’ visit to Caerphilly’s Asda store in the run up to Christmas has helped raise more than £1,200 for local causes.

The visit, which took place between December 15 and December 17, was organised by Caerphilly Lions Club.

The Caerphilly Lions Club is a branch of Lions Club International, which is a global organisation with more than 1.4 million members and around 46,000 groups worldwide.

The group raises money for charitable causes. Up until recently, the club organised a annual peace poster competition to promote world peace among school pupils.

Alan Trevers, who is the publicity officer for the Caerphilly branch, said 10% of the money raised has been given to Asda, which will donate it to its nominated charity, which is Ty Hafan.

Mr Trevers said the remaining money “will be used to support local good causes in the Caerphilly area, with some going to Cardiff Lions who helped with collecting and transport of the sleigh”.

He continued: “Caerphilly Lions Club would like to thank the shoppers at the ASDA store for their generous donations.

“Many excited youngsters were able to climb the steps into the sleigh to sit beside Santa and confide in their hopes for presents.

“The youngest to sit with Santa was a new baby aged seven-weeks-old, accompanied of course by Mum, whilst the oldest was a Granny aged 87, who climbed the steps to sit on the red seat faster than many of the youngsters.”

Looking for new members

Caerphilly Lions Club is currently looking for new members.

The club meets regularly at Caerphilly Golf Club for business and social evenings.

The club also has a ukelele band which plays in local care homes and nursing homes, with practice held at Caerphilly Golf Club.

Anyone interested in joining the club or its ukelele band can call Alan Trevers on 07971 424486 or Tony Evans on 07522 362076.