Bury’s Santaceptor has been touring the borough this December to spread Christmas joy and raise money for a good cause.  

Ditching his sleigh and taking the wheel, the Santaceptor community interest project has been travelling the six towns in Bury in a modified police interceptor car.

Hoping to raise some money with this third annual fundraiser, so far, the Santaceptor has reached a total of almost £4,000 which will go to Bury Hospice.  

Bury Times: PC Claus with his reindeer Jassa beside his Santaceptor and official support vehiclePC Claus with his reindeer Jassa beside his Santaceptor and official support vehicle (Image: CIC)

Noreen Kershaw, trustee at Bury Hospice said: “Anything you can give would be very much appreciated, it costs £3.5 million to run the hospice and we have to raise £3 million of that ourselves, so anything that you can give would be a help” 

Santa has been visiting streets which were nominated on The Santaceptor Facebook page in November.  

The project began in 2020 as a way for children to see Santa at a safe distance during Covid.  

A TV and Film police Action Vehicle from Action Media Hire was converted for the project and the organisers also hope that it will positively reinforce to young children that the Police are not negative but are a vital part of society.  

Organisers have also thanked local businesses supporting The Santaceptor to distribute over 1500 selection boxes on behalf of the Hospice to local children at no cost.  

The team will be distributing leaflets that offer ways to donate online in addition to links to Bury Council’s cost of living help online.  

To be more environmentally friendly, the support vehicle is an electric car from BCC Cars Hyundai Bury and the Santaceptor vehicle will be using Vegetable Oil based fuel from Crown Oils.  

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service are assisting Santa at some static engagements events by attending with a Fire appliance, sharing safety information and explaining how to get a free home fire safety assessment.  

To see where the Santaceptor will be visiting tonight, see the Facebook page here.  

Donations to the Santaceptor in aid of Bury Hospice can be done online at www.santacop.link/donate or text donation by texting SANTABH to 70085 to donate £3 plus standard network charges.