LOCAL businesses have joined forces to build Santa a new sleigh for the Christmas period.

The sleigh, which belongs to the Rotary Club of Douglas, was vandalised in January leaving the club with no choice but to build a new one.

For the last 50 years the sleigh, which is known as Rudolph, has visited primary schools and residential areas in Douglas to hand out sweets over the festive period. It is paraded around the town on a flatbed trailer and is equipped with festive lights and music.

Tim Rattray, a member of the Rotary Club of Douglas, said: "The annual Santa Sleigh excursion has become a well-known sight on the Island and although we were disappointed upon finding out that our sleigh had been damaged it had become so worn down due to prolonged use that it felt like the right time to bring in a replacement. 

"Once word got out about the Rotary Club of Douglas needing help in the construction of Rudolph several businesses volunteered their services to create a bigger and better Santa Sleigh. 

"It is so important that people visiting the sleigh recognise the compassion and time put in to restore Rudolph"   
  
The Rotary Club of Douglas has expressed its thanks to everyone who helped to build the new sleigh.