A LOCAL group is determined to make it a very special Christmas in Largs - by re-introducing Santa's sleigh for the first time in decades.

Largs Events is preparing its own festive surprise to make sure kids don't miss out on meeting Father Christmas in these socially distanced times - by taking Santa to them.

Ian Murdoch, chairman of the Largs Events group is delighted that his team have managed to come up with the 'Jingle Bells' return.

The defunct Largs Round Table used to take a Santa's sleigh around the town and has been a much missed feature during the festivities.

With no Yuletide night or parade in Largs town centre happening this year, Largs Events have decided to step in.

Mr Murdoch said: "The Largs Events committee would like to create a Christmas atmosphere and celebration for everyone.

"We are working on various ways of doing this within the Covid 19 Guidelines.

"Largs Events are delighted to announce that we have arranged the creation of a new sleigh for Santa.

"We would like to sincerely thank Stephen Connick, Craig Douglas, David Rae and Jewsons for their sponsorship to create Santa's new sleigh

"Stephen Connick is supplying the trailer, workshop and joinery skills. Craig Douglas is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the produciton of art and designs for theatre.

"We are extremely pleased that he has agreed to create a sleigh for Santa with his artistic carpentry skills.

"David Rae has agreed to supply and fit the lighthing with his electrical expertise and Jewsons have agreed to supply the materials and fixings.

"Largs Events have been thiking this for some time as we normally borrow a sleigh from Santa's helpers in Dalry. We would like to thank Councillor Robert Barr (Depute Provost) for his help with this over the last few years.

"2020 has made us more determined than ever ot have our own sleigh which will travel around the town and let the children see Santa.

"With the cancellation of yuletide night and Santa's Grotto, we have been thinking of ways to take Santa on a socially distanced fly by. If children can parents can't visit Santa then Santa must do what he does best and visit them.

"Largs Events would like to pay a special thanks to Robin Nicolson of Nicolson Maps for his help with planning the routes and for his personal contact with Santa over the last few years. Robin always makes sure Santa is always in the right place at the right time.

"Largs Events are exploring other ways to provde Santa, in town, if possible. We will have to work with guidance which may change over the next few weeks. Therefore, we will announce any other plans nearer the time."