For many years Father Christmas' helper (Raymond Bale) and Bude and Stratton's Mayor have visited residential homes in the town on Christmas day to spread some festive cheer to the residents and to hand out presents. This year, Raymond was surprised not to have heard from the Mayor, Cllr Peter La Broy, so telephoned Bude-Stratton Town Council to check whether the tradition would be continuing as normal, but they told him the Mayor would not be taking part. Not willing to let the elderly people down, Father Christmas' helper went ahead and visited anyway, popping into Eventide, St Hilary's and Stratton Hospital on Christmas morning. He was accompanied for part of the trip by his son, Nathan Bale, who is a North Cornwall District Councillor for the Poughill and Stratton Ward. Cllr Bale, who stepped in at the last minute, told the 'Post' that the visit was something he would do again, and added: "It was a wonderful feeling to be able to assist Father Christmas' helper and I hope he asks me to accompany him again next year. This tradition is clearly important to both residents and staff and should be kept going."