A NURSERY in Sale Moor have thanked local councillor, Mike Freeman for saving its Christmas party.

Last Wednesday, The Hive in Budworth Road were due to hold a Christmas party with a visit from a special guest but the night before the party the nursery were let down and found Santa was double booked.

Kerry Marfleet, who set up the nursery last year said: "We're only a small community nursery, based in a scout hut. We cater for a lot of children with economic needs and a lot have never got to meet Santa before so this day was really important. Some parents took the day off work to come and see their child meet Santa for the first time and it was devastating to have to tell them he wasn't going to make it."

Kerry put an appeal on the local M33 Sale Facebook group to ask for help, they went out to try and buy their own Santa outfit and just before giving up all hope, local councillor, Mike Freeman called the nursery to say he could help.

Cllr Freeman arrived in his own suit, read the children a story, had milk and biscuits with the children and gave them all a gift. Kerry said: "He was amazing - he saved the day and the children and parents were so pleased, some even thanked him personally. We can't say thank you enough."

Cllr Freeman also acts as Santa on behalf of Springfield Primary School, where he has been a governor for the last seven years.

He said: "I was so pleased to help The Hive. It was a pleasure to assist and meet the people there - it's an amazing community nursery and a lovely set up. They work very hard to provide this much needed service and I will be working very closely with the nursery next year to help with funding and keep it developing."