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Christmas came early to the Darran Valley with a visit from Santa on a fire engine.

Santa visited Fochriw and Deri community centres on December 10 and handed out free gifts to children.

“It was a really good night,” said Eddy Blanche, community councillor for Fochriw and Pentwyn.

Santa handed out free chocolate selection boxes to children under 11. “They were paid for by the community council,” said Mr Blanche of the 500 selection boxes which were bought in total.

The event was paid for by Darran Valley Community Council after funds were left over from the summer budget due to covid constraints.

There was also a lot of voluntary help from people within the community who put on additional activities such as making Christmas cards and decorations. There were also hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee on the menu. 

“It’s their event,” said Robert Chapman, community councillor for Fochriw and Pentwyn, about the people getting involved from the area at a community council meeting on December 7. 

“The support we’ve had from the village has been outstanding,” he added about the village of Fochriw in particular.

There are further Christmas events planned and funded by Darran Valley Community Centre with two upcoming pantomimes.

Sleeping Beauty will be playing in Deri Community Centre on December 28 at 13.30 pm. 

Robin Hood will be playing in Fochriw Community Centre on December 30 at 13.30 pm.