LITTLE Harbour, Children’s Hospice South West’s hospice in St Austell has again heard those sleigh bells ringing as they received a donation from the Cholwill family from Bridgerule.

The money donated to the Little Harbour comes from sales of wooden reindeer crafted by Colin Cholwill.

This is the third year the Cholwill family have sold their home-made reindeer and this year, during the lead up to Christmas 2015, they raised £4,000 – bringing their overall total up to £7,000.

The whole family get involved each year, with the grandchildren helping to paint the red noses, Paul, Sheila’s son, and his wife Stacey, help with putting them together and arrange many of the orders.

Sheila completes each reindeer with the finding and fitting of the antlers.

Colin and Sheila’s first son was born severely disabled and they have always been keen supporters of the children’s charity.

Sheila said: “Sadly Mark passed away some years ago and upon retirement from Bude Infant School, I was keen to do some voluntary work.

“Little Harbour in St Austell was where I felt I wanted to go to each week and this has now become the family’s favourite charity.

“Specific items are always purchased which Little Harbour has on their wish list. The latest purchase being a suite of furniture for the main family entrance.“

The family are very grateful to everyone who has supported their fundraising efforts over the years and that orders are already coming in for Christmas 2016.