A CARNFORTH Father Christmas stepped in to join the town’s festive event and brought the spirit of the season to his community.

Bob Bailey was at the forefront of the town’s Christmas Lights Switch On parade donning the iconic red suit and white beard.

Santa Bob led the crowds in a countdown to the lights being switched on by the Town Mayor, Councillor Larry Branyan before seeing many children and their families during the exciting evening. 

He is also the Town Council’s Clerk and Proper Officer who has served his community for many years.

Having been approached by the Carnforth Business Network, Bob dressed up on December 1.

Following the success of the ceremony, Bob was asked by the Crag Bank Under-five’s Nursery to be there ‘Guest of Honour’.

Next he visited the Lune Valley Football Club in Caton where he met with the players from the Under 7’s teams.

Santa Bob next appeared for Breakfast on December 19 at the newly reopened Brief Encounter Bistro and Bar at the iconic Carnforth Railway Station.

Bob made his final appearance of the year at the Trimpell Social Club in Morecambe where he entertained children and Members of Morecambe Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (MAODS) with a rendition of Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas is you’.

Bob said: “As a kid, I loved Santa and the magic and excitement that went with it.

“Like most children, I spent many Christmas Eves trying to stay awake and peering out of my bedroom window, looking for glimpses of Santa, his sleigh and the reindeers.

“Of course, I always fell asleep before I saw anything.

“Being Santa is great fun and it’s so gratifying when you are able to connect with a child who may be tentative or shy and to remove some of their fears about seeing the real Santa.

“But my main motivation is that my dad was Santa for many years at the Trimpell Club and so it’s really a homage to him and it’s a great feeling to be now following in his steps – Wellingtons, red suit, white beard and all.”