Santa dream comes true for day trip youngsters

That dream is set to come true for 189 Fylde coast youngsters this weekend thanks to St Annes-based Day of Sunshine.

The charity’s sixth annual Search for Santa trip will set off from its shop on The Crescent at 8am on Sunday.

Town crier Colin Ballard will set the party on its way to Manchester Airport, where festive features will include a specially-decorated check-in area and carols sung by the airport choir ahead of a circular flight taking off at 11am.

After landing back at Manchester, treats galore are promised, with lunch provided and each child receiving a gift from Santa’s army of helpers before the coach trip back to St Annes.

Day of Sunshine owner David Lee, who also organises holidays at other times of the year for deserving children and their families, said: “We are all looking forward to a wonderful day searching for Santa. As we do not receive any government grants, our free holidays and trips for local disadvantaged children are only made possible by the very kind donations to our charity shop, not forgetting the wonderful hard-working team of volunteers.”

Colin Ballard added: “David does a fantastic job and it’s a real privilege to see the happy faces of the youngsters involved.”