The sound of familiar Christmas songs hangs heavy in the air announcing the arrival of a very special guest.

Children run to their front doors and windows, mesmerised by the music and waiting to catch their first glimpse of an unusual vehicle rounding the corner.

Standing at the helm of Santas sleigh is a large reindeer, a familiar sight to many New Malden residents.

Come rain, hail, sleet, and snow, Santa and his team of dedicated volunteers are out on the streets bringing some festive cheer to the community.

Santas sleigh has become something of an institution since the formation of the New Malden Rotary Club in 1929.

In its earliest days the sleigh was a horse and cart. But the Rotary Club has adapted to changing times and its latest incarnation continues to draw in the crowds.

Rotarian John Davy said: It is something that the children look forward to. It is a magical event.

Seeing the delight on the childrens faces when they receive a gift from Santa is what it is all about.

When they know the sleigh is coming they run out without any shoes or coats on, and their mothers have to pull them back and try and dress them.

And Mr Davy said it was seeing the delight and wonder on the faces of the children that kept the volunteers going and the tradition alive.

He said: There have been times when I have come home and have had to drop my clothes on the doorstep because they are soaking.

If you are Santa and are going from house to house visiting the children. It is a great pleasure, but it can be exhausting.

However, it is all in a good cause. The donations collected by the Rotary Club during its rounds help to support a wide range of community projects in New Malden.

Last year the club raised £5,000 towards charitable causes from public donations. This year it is hoping to match that figure.

This year we have somewhat drained the community of its money, because we were trying to get people to support the Christmas lights in the High Street, said Mr Davy.

But people are still very generous. It is amazing you can go to some people and they have a bag of coppers that they have saved because they know that we are coming, or we get notes and coins.

And it is not just the English communities that give generously, the ethnic communities also give to the funds.

We are very proud of the way the New Malden residents donate the funds.

By.Helen Barnes