Father Christmas’s usual sleigh and reindeer were given a rest for one day at the weekend when crews of wannabe Santa Clauses took to the River Stour in canoes.

East Anglian Daily Times: The charity Santa Paddle boats set off on the River Stour at Sudbury. Hugo Gillot (left) and Chris Price.The charity Santa Paddle boats set off on the River Stour at Sudbury. Hugo Gillot (left) and Chris Price. (Image: Archant)

Dressed head to toe in red with some wearing fetching white beards – the boatmen in Sudbury paddled their way to raise valuable cash for The Bridge Project which helps vulnerable adults.

Setting off at 11am on Saturday the boats were steered to The Henry Swan pub for lunch before heading to The Rare Cow for a warming glass of mulled wine and mince pies.

The Bridge Project was established in 1995 to support disadvantaged and vulnerable adults within the Sudbury community, helping them to develop skills to find work and training.