CHRISTMAS has been saved by the community; a councillor has said.

The Leader has previously reported that the ‘forgotten residents of Deeside’ felt ‘victimised’ after hearing the Deeside Round Table will not be taking their Santa Float there after past abuse.

However, the Sealand community has since rallied together to ensure the children are not disappointed this Christmas.

Cllr Christine Jones said: “It’s going so well, talk about community spirit – it’s been brilliant.

“Parents and local businesses have been offering their services from people wanting to bake cakes and bringing sweets to Adam Dandy from Dandy’s Topsoil donating a real Christmas Tree.

“We will have music playing and Santa, who is giving his time for free, will give out presents to children and we can use the hut for free.

“Everyone has pulled together. I’ve never seen so much community spirit in such a short space of time. I’m proud, Christmas is saved.”

Santa will visit St Andrews Church Hub on December 5 from 5pm – 6pm and refreshments will be provided from the memory café.

Anyone wishing to donate can contact Christine Jones or donate to local groups on the night.

Cllr Jones said herself and her daughter came up with the idea after the disappointment over the lack of the traditional Christmas float and all local parents and businesses instantly jumped on board.

She added: “The spirit has completely lifted compared to the other day.

“I just hope everyone will have a wonderful time. Sealand Manor will even have a visit from Santa which is lovely as this will be a first.

“Everyone has just come together to help, it’s lovely to see.

“I hope we all have a wonderful night and the children turn up and enjoy themselves.

“They will all get to visit the winter wonderland and get a present off Santa. People in Sealand are great and they care about the kids which is what this is all about.

“We were worried they were going to miss out but now they get a nice evening which is what they all deserve.

“Everyone has been so kind.”