Early Christmas presents from Santa!

Santa Claus made an early stop off to surprise children from Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School in Gravesend, with a little help and a river ride from the Port of London Authority.

Pupils from years 2 and 3 came along to a festively decorated Town Pier in Gravesend, where the festival fun, craft, and Christmas carols took on an extra level of excitement when Father Christmas arrived on a PLA harbour service boat, to hand out some early Christmas presents.

Robin Mortimer, CEO of the PLA, said:
“As the UK’s biggest port, bringing in yuletide essentials and presents from around the world, the Port of London helps deliver Christmas each year. We worked with our friends at the Port of Lapland to arrange a special visit from Santa Claus himself and were delighted he was able to come and meet some special guests from Holy Trinity Primary School.”

The PLA presented a cheques for £5,000 to the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund and further cheques to Ellenor and QVSR Seafarers’ Centre in Tilbury.

Peter Scutts, founder of Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund, said: “We are hugely grateful for the Port of London Authority’s £5,000 donation. As a long-established local company, PLA is deeply rooted in the Gravesham’s community and dedicated to investing in its young people. Their support will allow us to help some of the most vulnerable young people in Gravesham get the vital support they need.”

Photo: CEO of PLA, Robin Mortimer presenting a cheque for £5,000 to EHMF founder, Peter Scutts (left) and fundraising Director, Matt Davies (right).