A WREXHAM care home was treated to a Christmas light switch on by Santa himself.

Santa arrived at Pendine Park in style for the big Christmas lights switch on aboard an illuminated state-of-the-art sleigh made by the talented maintenance team at the care home.

Father Christmas and his elves were greeted by the cheers of delighted residents and staff.

Sarah Edwards, artist in residence, said: “The Christmas lights switch on and Santa arriving with his sleigh is always a highlight of Christmas celebrations here at Pendine Park. The residents and staff all love it.

“This year it was especially jubilant as it is the first time since the pandemic that we have been able to have family members here to enjoy the switch-on and we didn’t have to wear masks.”

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Megan Bettinson, whose mother-in-law, Eluned is a resident, said it was a joy to be able to bring along her son JJ, aged five, and his friends.

“It’s been lovely watching the lights switch on with everyone else," she said.

"Eluned was thrilled to have her grandson nearby and to see his beaming smile as Santa arrived."

The Leader:

This year Santa’s team of helpers included an elf from Sweden, Sven Blomqvist who is retired and now lives in New Broughton, near Wrexham.

He saddled up on his trusty vintage motorbike all lit up with fairy lights to escort the sleigh along with fellow elves, Karl Edwards, and George Woodward, who followed the sleigh on his quad bike.

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Sven and Karl are not full time members of the maintenance team but friends of the crew. 

Karl’s mum was once a Pendine resident so it was important to him to ensure that the residents had a fun filled festive time.

Also playing a key role was maintenance team member Paul Morris who delighted in spreading Christmas joy.

The parade was brilliantly lead by Pendine resident Stephen ‘Speedy” Roberts, who travelled in his wheelchair ahead of the decorated sleigh who was described by the maintenance team as 'a real hero'.

Fellow Pendine resident, Coral Pickard, 88, said the sleigh, with music blasting out, was ‘brilliant’.

She added: “I’ve loved it. I feel really Christmassy now, everyone is so cheerful and there’s a good mood in the air. That’s the best present that Santa could have brought us.”

Pendine Enrichment and Activities co-ordinators Elaine Lee, Chris Lewis and Nicky Clark said it was wonderful to hear the cheers of residents and their families.

Nicky said: “It’s great to have everyone out clapping along again and singing the festive tunes we all know so well.”