IF CHRISTMAS presents are delivered late this year, it’s probably because Father Christmas is off playing a round of golf.

Almost 50 Santas were spotted at Wrag Barn Golf Club yesterday taking part in a special charity tee-off.

Senior members of the Highworth club donned red Santa suits, hats and beards as they played 18 holes in support of children’s cancer charity Joss Searchlight.

Organiser and this year’s seniors captain Bryan Harber said: “This charity is very important to me. It is a small local charity and I think it’s nice for them to be supported by local people

“As well as raising a bit of money, today gives the seniors an opportunity to act their shoe size rather than their age and be a bit silly.

“We have a great group of guys here. They are very supportive of all the things we do and it has been a really good day all round.”

Altogether, 48 smartly dressed Santas took part. And afterwards they tucked into some hot food and enjoyed a refreshing beverage in the club bar.

Bryan added: “I played in a similar charity game about three years ago. It was a lot of fun and, for me, I thought it would be a good way to raise money for my charity. A friend of mine did it then so I was able to get the suits from him. It has worked really well, I’m very pleased.”

Club members have taken part in a variety of charity events throughout the year and Bryan estimates that just over £5,000 has been raised for Joss Searchlight.

“I’m ever so pleased with that,” said Bryan.

Golfers Frank Holliday, 80, and Jack Arkley, 64, thoroughly enjoyed the fun and games.

Trudging from the green after potting the 18th hole, Jack said: “It was real good fun. It was really lovely to be out here, and to have everybody dressed up as Santa was great. The suite didn’t affect my swing too much – that’s bad all the time. In fact it probably improved it.”

Frank agreed, saying: “It was good fun, though it got very hot in this outfit. Unfortunately, the only down side was the lack of pockets. But it went very well and we all had fun.”