Santa drive-by raises £700 for Wanstead charity

The annual event was started to bring happiness to children during the Covid lockdowns.

This year, Dennis Weeks from North London Loft Rooms took on the role of Santa, who was driven by Steve Hayden from Parker Dairies on his Christmas-themed milk float.

Elves Hannah Healy and Steve Hayden help spread cheer across Wanstead (Image: Amy Moore)

Elves who gathered donations for The Wanstead Charity, which supports the homeless in east London, were Hannah Healy, Frankie Moore, Alex Leiden, and Amy Moore.

The event was created to replace Santa's Grotto and Christmas fairs that were not permitted during lockdowns.

Santa and his helper pause for a photo during the evening route (Image: Amy Moore)

A few mothers put their heads together to come up with an alternative way to bring Santa to children and collect money for charity.

The event was initially intended as a single occurrence, but has persisted due to popular demand.

It has raised more than £5,500 for schools and the homeless.