A NEW Santa's sleigh built for Haverigg Inshore Rescue Team's annual Christmas event has raised over £4,000 for the life-saving charity.

Every year Santa and his team visit various roads around Millom, Haverigg and the surrounding areas in the run-up to Christmas.

The event is to raise money for the independent organisation that is manned entirely by volunteers from the local communities working closely with the local Coastguard.

In total, the event this year raised £4,018.47

A spokesperson for Haverigg Inshore Rescue Team: "It was a fantastic turnout this year and thanks to our Christmas elf volunteers, as well as the generous members of the public, we have managed to raise over £4,000 which is the most we have ever raised at this time of year.

"As well as hopefully spreading a bit of Christmas cheer, it’s amazing to see so many people from our community out in support for us. 

"The money raised will be used for the running costs of the charity & will keep us operational through out the year.

"As an independent charity we receive no additional funding from the government, so our annual fundraisers are vital for the continued operation of Haverigg Inshore Rescue, which is essential for our area given our coastal location."

This year the sleigh was built by Rickie Kershaw, Chris Wilson, Jamie Kershaw, Adam Swales & Liam Graham.

It was also made possible thanks to donations, time and effort from Slacks of Millom, DMG plumbing, Dicky Minter, Lea McMeekin, James Cuthbert & Chris O’Brien. 

The funds raised will be used to keep the lifeboat station operational 24/7. 

To donate, visit the Haverigg Inshore Rescue Team website.