A CHRISTMAS party at a care home got a festive boost when one of Santa's helpers dropped by.
Charity fundraiser Bernard Pont was on hand at the Rutland House Christmas party in Reigate for the start of a ten care home fundraising tour to raise money for the Surrey Air Ambulance.
Mr Pont, 67, decided to don Santa's red suit last year as a way raising money for charity while helping spreading the festive spirit at the same time.
He said: "I started doing Father Christmas at Nutfield Priory Hotel last year and I decided to buy the uniform and go around residential nursing homes.
"I do ten homes a year and I don't charge any money – if they want to pay I ask them to give to a nominated charity that I pick.
"Last year I raised £400 for prostate cancer and this year I'm raising money for the Air Ambulance."
Having good old St Nick at the Christmas party, on December 7, proved a real treat for residents and the children who were on hand to get a present at the care home in West Street, Reigate. Mr Pont added: "I love meeting people and saying hello to them – I've been brought up to be friendly and be approachable with people and it's all part of giving at Christmas. I like seeing their faces and the responses when they see me and I just give them a present or we have a sing song. I love it when they recognise me.
"This is the second year I've done it. Last year I just phoned up and asked if they'd be interested and it all snowballed from there and this year people have been phoning me asking if I can come and deliver presents.
"They're always pleased to see me and I just enjoy the people I see, I'm a people person."
Pamela Milne, manager at Rutland House, said: "It's been fantastic. Everybody has had a great time. We had a sing-along with most of the families here enjoying the party as well.
"Having Father Christmas come is a big event for us because everybody remembers him. When you're little you grow up with him and I think it's important to have this for our residents."
