SANTA is to team up with Sammy the Tammy on Saturday 20th December, when he is due to drop into East End Park for the Pars’ home match against Stranraer.

An excited Sammy – who is due to meet up with Father Christmas on his sleigh at the half-time interval – said, “I just hope he is not bringing any early Christmas presents for the visitors!” Santa and his little helpers from the Rotary Club of Dunfermline are making the special detour on their annual round of Dunfermline neighbourhoods later this month.

Santa will be landing his sled outside the stadium at 1.30pm on matchday to help Dunfermline Rotarians put an extra jingle in their collecting tins for local charities.

Club president Graham Steedman explained, “The pre- and post-match collections outside the ground – together with a further pit-stop at the Mercat Cross the following day – will bring to a climax our annual sleigh rides round local neighbourhoods.

“The tours begin on 15th December and we hope the public will again give a festive fillip to the club’s benevolent fund.” Between 6-8.15pm, Santa will be touring the following districts: 15th December – Queen Margaret Fauld estate; 16th December – Bendachin Drive and Garvock area, south of Halbeath Road; 17th December – Bellyeoman and Headwell areas; 18th December – Baldridgeburn and Beveridgewell areas; and 19th December – St John’s Drive, Scotland Drive and south of Garvock Hill.

The grand tour climaxes on 21st December when Santa stops at the Mercat Cross in Dunfermline’s High Street from 11.30am.

Mr Steedman explained, “As well as distributing Christmas presents to local children through Fife Council’s social work department, the club has already disbursed £5000 in early Christmas presents to nine local good causes.

“Service and local charities will also benefit from the two Christmas concerts we are staging in Dunfermline Abbey on 17th and 18th December, in association with the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland.” Rotarian David Steele, the club’s festive events co-ordinator, said, “The Abbey concerts are always a hot ticket in the local Christmas calendar. Intending attendees can check ticket availability in advance from the Carnegie Hall and Pink String and Sealing Wax in Bridge Street, Dunfermline. Tickets are priced £12.” Pictured at the Grieve Street garage of president-elect Tom Arnott, Santa confirmed his tour itinerary with president Graham Steedman and collection organiser, past-president David Steele.