THE popular tradition of the Rotary Christmas Float will not go ahead this year due to the pandemic.

For more than 60 years, Widnes Rotary members and volunteers have taken Santa around the Widnes streets on his Christmas Float.

Due to the coronavirus and the latest lockdown, they have had to change their plans.

Rotary member Linda Ord said: “Despite all our planning, it is with heavy hearts we have decided to cancel. We know how much disappointment this will cause and we are so desperately sorry, but hope everyone understands.

"The latest lockdown made us realise our main priority has to be to keep everyone safe.

"This will be the first time in 60 years we have not gone out and last year the generous Widnes public donated an amazing £13,600, all of which has gone back into our community. We know from the heartfelt messages of thanks we receive how big a difference this money makes.

"So we have opened up an online Christmas Community Appeal to continue the fundraising tradition of the last 60 years.

"We have set an ambitious target and know this is a huge ask of the always generous Widnes people, but, if anyone would like to donate - and EVERY penny counts - please go to www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/ChristmasFundraiser2020 or go to our social media pages (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram, search for @WidnesRotary) or our website www.widnesrotaryclub.org.uk, where there will be details of how to make a donation.

"An added benefit is we can claim Gift Aid on personal donations too, which will help enormously.

"Should any local businesses also wish to donate, we would be very grateful and will give them a shout out on our social media pages."

For any more information please email Linda at widnesrotaryclub1937@gmail.com