Lions launch Christmas colouring competition - prizes to be won

Hand santatisers and Father Christmasks are at the ready to make it possible for the world’s most welcome visitor to go on his grand tour across Ryedale.

Di Keal, president of Malton and Norton Lions, said: “Santa and his reindeer completed their quarantine together so children will still be able to give them a wave from their windows and doorsteps at home when they go by.

“Children are this year able to enter Santa’s colouring competition and tell us their three Christmas wishes, with a prize supplied by the elves at Morrisons.

“Colouring sheets will be available from Morrisons during November, as well as in the Gazette & Herald.

“We are grateful to the Gazette for publishing the drawing (above) for youngsters to colour in.

“They can then display a copy in their front window and the elves will stop on the sleigh and give the children a wave.”

Di added: “We thought long and hard this year about what the Lions could do in the middle of this terrible pandemic and found a safe way for Santa to visit.

“We know how much youngsters look forward to Father Christmas calling and were determined to make sure they didn’t miss out.”

To enter the competition, simply take a photo of your coloured in poster above and email it to malton.lions@btinternet.com

Ryedale Lions will also be running their Santa sleigh with door-to-door collections replaced with planned stops in the usual towns and villages.

Lions president Frank Hayward said: “It will be a different Christmas this year. People will be able to follow Santa as he flies round Ryedale.

“Our website, Twitter feed and Facebook page will have a link enabling everyone to know just where Santa is each night. It is our track and trace.”

Money raised goes to support local people and families in need. This year there will be the facility to make donations by text and online through the Lions website or by going to nationalfundingscheme.org/our-services-costs/costs