Christmas is just around the corner. The sleigh has been painted and polished. The lists have all been double checked. And now it's up to Santa to deliver all the presents in time for the big day.

That's where Douglas Rotary Club decided to give him a helping hand on his 2013 marathon round-the-world Christmas journey.

Members of the Club's Community Service Committee have been hard at work during the year refurbishing the sleigh and feeding up Rudolph, ready for the biggest adventure of his career. Thanks to Mylchreests Motors, who provided the motor "escort", and Douglas Town Council, who provided sweets, Santa has been able to say Happy Christmas to more than 1,000 local children this year.

In a mammoth operation, the Rotary sleigh has so far visited Douglas Town Hall, Rebecca House and many schools, including Braddan, Cronky-Berry, Onchan, Scoill Vallajeelt, Ballacloan, Anagh Coar, St Thomas's CE School, Ballacottier, Scoill yn Jubilee, Kewaigue and Manor Park. The sleigh's final appearances are in Strand Street on Thursday evening, 19 December, and at Willaston and St Mary's RC School on Friday, 20 December.

If you would like to find out more about the Rotary Club of Douglas and its activities please contact Clare Faulds at faulds.clare@gmail.com or phone 842045.

Photo - local children get a chance to drive the sleigh.