There was great excitement in Pembroke North when Father Christmas dropped into the Pembroke North Community Association's Christmas Party on Saturday afternoon.

Children took turns to visit Santa in his specially constructed grotto to tell him what they wanted for Christmas and were each given a present.

Chairman of PNCA Jim Clague welcomed Santa, Tony Hodges, a well-known local character who has played the part for some 16 years. He certainly looked like Father Christmas with his genuine white beard, and he had a marvellous rapport with the children.

Santa's little helper in the grotto was PCSO Emma Thomas and children were shown in by PC Sarah Lambe.

The party, held at Golden Manor Nursery, attracted a great many local children of all ages and they enjoyed a party tea with games and dancing.

And this was not all, for after the children's party the PNCA prepared for a second, evening get together for adults and teenagers. Entertainment was supplied by DJ Tom (who had worked tirelessly throughout the day) and, in the evening, Neil Thomas who always makes the party go with a swing and a laugh.

All were then treated to a rather sumptuous buffet prepared by the PNCA committee and residents, with a special mention to Peggy Williams and Sharon Clague for the huge contribution they made.

In his vote of thanks, Jim Clague made special mention of the outstanding generosity of Darren and staff of Costcutters, Bush Hill Service Station, for actually giving the children's presents, over 100 selection boxes, plus crisps and squash for the party.

Residents and traders of Pembroke had been generous in giving raffle prizes; these included a magnificent hamper from Wisebuys, panto tickets from the Torch Theatre, tickets for the Blue Lagoon, vouchers and gifts which are listed on the PNCA website in grateful appreciation.

Jim thanked the committee and residents of Pembroke North who had helped organise the event which, once again, had received great community support.

He stressed that PNCA was completely voluntary, everyone giving up their time freely with no other aim than to work towards building a better community. Some funding was given to cover the costs of the event and he thanked PCC Community Chest Fund, Milford Haven Port Authority and Anne Dearden who had undertaken a sponsored slim and donated the money raised to the party.

He was grateful too to Ruth Morgan for allowing PNCA to hold the event in the Golden Manor Nursery and for Ruth's help and support.

Special thanks too went to the neighbourhood policing team who were always very supportive of the PNCA and worked closely with them.

Jim Clague thanked PCSO Emma Thomas and PC Sarah Lambe not only for their help in making this event a big success, but for building such good community relations here. Sadly, Police Sgt. Lesley Buckle could not be present, but she did receive a present from Santa. Both she and Emma received torches kindly donated by http://www.ledco.co.uk">www.ledco.co.uk

To find out more about the PNCA, visit their website http://www.pembrokenorth.org.uk">www.pembrokenorth.org.uk and Facebook pnca Pembroke North or email [email protected]">[email protected]

They meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Golden Manor Nursery at 7 pm, but please note there will be no meeting in January. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 3.

If anyone would like to become involved and feels they can contribute in any way, just turn up and they will be made most welcome.