A MUCH anticipated Christmas tradition that brings joy to children throughout Kendal is under threat

For the past four decades, Kendal and District Lions Club has run the 'Santa Around Town’ initiative.

It sees Father Christmas and his sleigh visiting all the estates in the town over 16 nights with donations made going to charity.

The arrival of the sleigh is eagerly looked forward to by children who get a chance to say 'hello' and tell Santa what they would like for Christmas.

That, along with the thousands of pounds raised for charity and local causes, is now at risk as there is nowhere to store the sleigh.

For the past few years, Mealbank Properties has allowed the charity to use one of its empty units free-of-charge.

But now a new, rent paying tenant wants to move into the unit and Mealbank has reluctantly asked the charity to leave.

"As we haven’t been able to find an alternative, the club’s possessions are now being shared out among the members, to be stored in lofts, sheds and garages until they are needed," said volunteer Malcolm Benson. "Our main sleigh with trailer, canopy, lights and sound system, throne and of course our beautiful reindeer, may have to go unless we can find somewhere to store it.

"We need a dry, secure, enclosed space to store the sleigh. The access door must be a minimum of three metres high and two-and-a-half metres wide. The space must be a minimum of eight metres deep.

"Kendal without the Lions Club “Santa around town” at Christmas is unthinkable," said Mr Benson. "We are hoping that there is a kindly Kendal resident or businessperson who can take in Santa’s sleigh. If not, it will have to go and with it one of Kendal’s much loved Christmas traditions."

If you have, or know of anyone who has suitable premises, please phone 01539 724996.