A new record has been reached as members of the St Albans Round Table were thrilled to raise thousands for community charities.

People lined the streets of St Albans to see the annual Christmas Santa Float over the holidays, and more than £17,000 was raised.

Members worked hard to rebuild the Santa float in the run-up to this year’s season, as it was re-painted, and completely refitted with new lights and speakers.

Round Table Chairman, Ian Goldsmith said: “All the hard work we put in between September and November clearly paid off. We are totally thrilled and grateful to everyone who donated to our many elves during December.”

Part of the money collected was used to deliver Christmas hampers prepared by Morrisons, to more than 50 people in St Albans.

The Round Table have already supported Youthtalk, Homestart, 3 Valleys, Scouts, AT Society, The Living Room, Rennie Grove Hospice Care and Earthworks, and are planning to help even more in 2017.