SKATERS took to the ice at a family Christmas fundraiser for community causes.

Harwich Angels organised a Christmas extravaganza at Ramsey’s historic windmill on Saturday.

But despite the bad weather meaning the event had to be cut short, the rain didn’t dampen the festive spirit.

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Santa set up a grotto in the windmill and there was an area for children to write their letters to his North Pole headquarters.

Jo Cooper, one of the organisers, said: “The event was unfortunately cut short due to weather conditions, safety had to come first.

“But we have had positive feedback from people who did get to come, our Santa was said to have been as good as the one in Lapland.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

“The ice skating went down well too, everyone seemed to really enjoy it.”

The event also had stalls, food, dancers, choirs and a family-size ice rink.

Money raised will be split between Harwich Angels, which gives funds to local community causes, and the Ramsey Windmill preservation fund.

The mill was originally in Woodbridge, Suffolk, but transported by boat to its present location in 1842.

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The site also had a factory in the 19th century, where the flour was used to make biscuits.

In 2013, the Buchan family bought the house and windmill in Ramsey with hopes of restoring it.