IT HAS been revealed that more than £7,000 has been raised for charity after Santa made his way around Andover.

Father Christmas and his team of elves made their way around the town spreading cheer and bringing smiles to faces throughout December. 

Now, thanks to the generosity of residents, the team from Andover Santa Cruises has handed over an amazing cheque worth £6,400 to The Countess of Brecknock Hospice. They also received match funding from Simply Health taking the total to £7,380.

The kind donations from residents meant the team collected over 50 per cent more cash than last year. From grottos, to visits, to cruises, to personal appearances and a booze cruise, the Santa team clocked up around 330 voluntary hours towards the cause.

READ MORE: Santa and his elves visit children across Andover - in pictures

Plans are already being considered for next year but for now the team's focus is on the forthcoming Andover SoapBox Derby at the end of May.

A spokesperson from the team said: "The team from Andover Community Events wanted to thank every single person that came out to see Santa this year, an event is only as good as those that come to support it, and once again Andover proved amazing."