A businessman has been thanked by Mansfield Rotary with a special award after he helped to transform its Christmas sleigh.

A regular sight across the streets and supermarkets of Mansfield and district for many years, the sleigh was replaced in autumn 2022 with a new one that sits on the back of a flat bed vehicle — making it easier for Rotarian to bring festive cheer to some previously inaccessible streets.

It was built by a team led by Rob Smith, managing director of QK Group, Sutton — which includes Laser Ltd, Quickits Ltd, and Premier Powder Coating — together with support from TrimJim Custom Upholstery and Richard Austin Alloys.

Mansfield Rotary says the annual sleigh run has raised around £400,000 since it began visiting children outside their homes.

Rob was approached for help by Rotn Matt Harding, when it was discovered that the old sleigh had a structural fault.

A Rotary spokesperson said: “Rob’s response was immediate and incredibly generous, and within a few weeks a new and easier-to-drive sleigh was seen across the area.

Recognising the support and generosity of Rob’s businesses, which has continued with the QK Group storing the sleigh for 11 months of the year and making further modifications, Mansfield Rotary has made him a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honour that Mansfield Rotary can make to individuals who have contributed significantly to their local community.

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary in 1905 and since then Rotary has expanded across the world with 1.6m Rotarians who follow a philosophy of Service Above Self. The highest award in Rotary is the Paul Harris Award, which is given to a Rotarian or a member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to the community.

Rotn Matt Harding (right) is pictured presenting Rob Smith with his Paul Harris Fellowship award to mark the QK Group’s generosity in keeping Mansfield Rotary’s Christmas sleigh on the road.