SANTA Claus kicks off a two-week tour of the Epping area next Monday (December 7) to collect money for a variety of local charities.

The daily processions, organised by the Epping Rotary Club, will see Santa travel in his sleigh - with the help of a flat-top lorry - throughout the town and surrounding villages between 6pm and 8pm.

The collections are being held for worthy causes such as St Clare Hospice, Abbeyfield Centre and Pony Riding for the Disabled.

The dates for the tour are:

Monday December 7: Bower Hill, Centre Drive, Brook Road, Stewards Green Road and Charles Street.

Wednesday December 9: Egg Hall, Lindsey Street and Beaconsfield Road.

Thursday December 10: Theydon Grove and Coopersale.

Friday December 11: St John’s Road, Crows Road, and Tower Road.

Monday December 14 Church Hill, Hemnall St and Bell Common.

Tuesday December 15: Theydon Bois North.

Wednesday December 16: Blackacre Road and Theydon Bois South.

Thursday December 17: Queen’s Road and Higham View (North Weald).

Friday December 18: Wellington Road and Pike Way (North Weald).