Forres firefighters boosted the popularity of an annual event for the Rotary Club of Forres, when they assisted in the very important task of guiding Santa around Forres during his annual visit at the end of last year.
The crew from the Forres Community Fire Station came out every night Santa was in town to make the event more appealing for local children.
Rotarian Andy Wardley, who managed the VIP visit from the North Pole said: “The presence of the fire engine was a big draw for the hundreds of children who came out to see Santa.
“Our primary aim is to visit as many children as possible during the three-week outing, and Forres folk were very generous with donations in support of our three local charities: Moray Women’s Aid, Culbin House, and the Wednesday Club.
“I’d also thank the additional helpers who supported us after Santa made a public appeal to get more local people involved.”
As a result of the collections, The Rotary Club of Forres also donated £750 to the Forres Community Fire Station, which will go to the Fire Fighters Charity.
Watch Commander Stuart Donald said that as well as being a popular attraction, they had a very serious message.
“We carried out some very important community safety engagement work during the event, identifying many people who felt they would benefit from the free home fire safety visits that we carry out for all.
“These visits include goodwill advice on general safety in the home, free fitting of smoke and heat detectors where required, as well as confirming an emergency action plan in the unlikely event of having a fire in their property.
“Further requests for visits can be made through the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website, by calling at the local station or calling on 01309 672702.”
