VOLUNTEERS have once again spread festive joy in town by raising thousands of pounds for charity.

The Harwich and Dovercourt Rotary Club have staged their annual Christmas Excursion, towing Santa and the Reindeer around the streets of Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston.

Seven organisations took part in the fundraising bid and all benefited from the final collection of more than £1,250.

Harwich and Parkeston football Club Juniors, Harwich Rugby Club Juniors, and Harwich Police Cadets were some of the organisations which staged the campaign.

They were also helped by 1st/2nd Parkeston Scout Group, 4th Dovercourt Sea Scouts, Harwich Rangers and Homestart.

Apart from street collections, local supermarkets have also supported the Christmas project.

Thanks to the static collections from outside Asda, Co-op and Morrisons, almost £3,5000 were raised, which will be used to help Rotary charities in 2022.

Norman Cory, who is the press officer for the club, said: "We can only extend our thanks to everyone who donated so generously.

"The general public was so generous this year - more than ever before.

"The supermarkets were really kind to let us collect from there - we raised a lot of money particularly on Christmas Eve."