Santa Claus is stepping in to help the coronavirus lockdown effort this weekend.

While the man in the big red suit usually has his feet up at this time of year, his old friends at Stirling and Bridge of Allan Round Table have persuaded him to take part in a special project around local streets on Saturday and Sunday.

They have organised Santa’s Summer Food Bank Collection, with their popular giant sleigh, complete with music and Father Christmas himself, travelling around to collect food donations from people’s doorsteps for local food banks on May 30-31.

The sleigh will be in Bridge of Allan on Saturday then Causewayhead, Strathallan Park and Forth Park on Sunday.

Round Table spokesman Ian Snodgrass said: “Like the rest of us, Santa’s summer holiday plans have been changed. He’s coming round the streets of Stirling this weekend to give everyone a smile and help to collect food and items for local people who are in need due to the coronavirus crisis.

“We will safely collect any donation you leave out while you can wave to Summer Santa at a social distance.

“When you hear the music be ready to wave to Santa and his elves, who will collect any donations from your doorstep. Please stay two metres away from Santa, his elves and everyone who is not part of your household.

“We will collect any long-life food, nappies, toiletries and cleaning products to be donated to fantastic groups providing essentials to those who need it throughout Stirling.”

Among the organisations to benefit will be Bridge of Allan Larder, Ladies of the Rock, Heart of Braehead, Polmaise Community Council and Cowie Rural Action Group and food banks in and around the Stirling area.

The sleigh will set off at 2pm both days and aim to be finished before 6pm. Santa will share his location on Google Maps as he moves through the streets so locals know when to expect him. The link to track Santa will be share through Stirling and Bridge of Allan Round Table’s Facebook page or there is also a rough guide to the routes.

More details are also available at stirlingboaroundtable.co.uk/santa-food-appeal/.

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