Generous companies came to the rescue and built a new sleigh for Mansfield Rotary to use on its annual tour of streets and shopping centres, bringing festive cheer while collecting for its charitable work.

Laser Limited, Quickits Limited, and Premier Powder Coating, part of the QK Group, based in Sutton, came together in a “great team effort” for the project.

The QK Group also thanked TrimJim Custom Upholstery, Sutton, for an upholstery donation, and Richard Austin Alloys for donating a tread plate.

WATCH a video of the sleigh being put together 

Laser Limited said: “This project will definitely be one that we will always remember at this time of year.

“We were asked by Mansfield Rotary if we were interested in manufacturing a new sleigh to replace their existing, trailer-mounted, timber model that had seen better days. As a company which loves a challenge we did one better and decided to manufacture the sleigh and donate this to them, since it’s for such a worthy cause.

“They wanted a sleigh that could be transported around on the back of a flat-bed truck whilst also be capable of being standalone – and needless to say that’s what they got!

“It was such a great team effort getting this one over the line. From engineering design, laser cutting, fabrication, and powder coating, the whole team at the QK Group have demonstrated our versatility.

“Thanks to everyone at Mansfield Rotary for the opportunity to be involved with this project. I’m sure we will see this in and around the Mansfield and Ashfield areas for many years to come. Keep your eyes out for Santa, he’ll be heading your way soon.”

The new Rotary sleigh will be in Mansfield and Mansfield Woodhouse, as well as at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, from 10th December in the run-up to Christmas. To find out the sleigh’s daily routes click here.

Mansfield Rotary president Karen Johnson said: “Our long-serving and trusty sleigh had definitely seen better days, so we had reluctantly decided that it needed to be retired… no more Rotary sleigh to be seen around Mansfield at Christmastime!

“Then QK Group came to our rescue and we cannot thank them enough for organising, with the help of other local companies, the design and build of a new Mansfield Rotary sleigh.

“With their help, Father Christmas on his brand new sleigh will be starting his visits to Mansfield town centre on Saturday 10th December.”