SAINT Nick took time out of his busy festive schedule to take a carriage ride around the streets of Debden - and raise crucial funds for charity.

Loughton Town Council yesterday staged the first ever Christmas parade, which saw Santa set off from Vere Road to bring cheer to residents of all ages.

The public were invited to wave, join in carols and donate generously to The Silkworth Trust and Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs.

Loughton Broadway councillor Leon Girling - to whom Santa bore more than a passing resemblance - helped organise the inaugural parade.

He said: "The idea is, if it went well enough, then we could look at expanding it next year.

"What I believe needs to happen in our area is a lot more community events - so I wanted to start with Santa.

"There were a lot of people there and a lot of kids had done their wish lists for Santa."

Funeral director T Cribb and Sons loaned a horse-drawn carriage for the occasion, while Debden's Sainsbury's branch provided free chocolate.