CHILDREN have queued around the block for an annual Christmas activity that has been going for more than 30 years. 

Worcester's Santa Sleigh is full speed ahead this week and is acting as a 'catalyst for community groups' in the city to kickstart the festive season. 

Despite getting off to a rocky and being delayed by Storm Bert, Worcester Santa Sleigh has visited hundreds of children across the city but there are many more stops to come.

Chris Southworth, chairman of Worcester Lions and Sleigh Coordinator, said: "We have been out twice now and it's been very, very good. 

"We had linked up with the city council to have a big launch at the Christmas Light Switch on but that never happened, but we hope to get the mayor out at some point this month. 

"We had our first route on Wednesday (November 27) and another one on Friday (November 29). 

"Last year we had stopped at the Tolly Hub and we were approached by a community development Platform officer about doing one in Warndon this year. 

"We stopped on Cranham Parade and Ambleside Parade and we were there for about 90 minutes. 

"The organisation provided hot chocolate and mince pies. It was a real community event."

Where is Santa visiting in Worcester? 

- Monday, December 2: Northwick / Bevere

- Tuesday, December 3: Tolladine / Ronkswood

- Thursday, December 5: Honeywell Primary, Dines Green

- Friday, December 6: Barn Owl, Wall Meadow

- Sunday, December 8: Ombersley village hall

- Tuesday, December 10: Pitmaston, St Johns

- Thursday, December 12: Waitrose, Red Hill

- Saturday, December 14: Tesco, St Peters and Farne Avenue

- Sunday, December 15: Santa Dash, St Richards Hospice, Worcester Woods

- Tuesday, December 17: Monarch Drive, Henwick

- Thursday, December 19: Perdiswell Leisure Centre

- Saturday, December 21: Fort Royal and Friar Street, City Centre

Mr Southworth continued: "We tend to see a lot more children when we are static than when we are moving. 

"We do have online tracking so lots of people do come and visit.

"We had a queue from the moment we arrived on Friday right up until we left.

"We try to do a variety of things and go all over the city. 

"Pre-covid it was standard procedure for the mayor to be the Santa on the sleigh. 

"I'm not sure whether it is something she will want to do but she is more than welcome to join us."