A FREE Christmas Eve community event has been organised in Rhyl for the fourth consecutive year to help a number of causes and charities.

This year’s event, at Holy Trinity Church and St Thomas’ Church grounds in Rhyl, will run from 11am until 3pm on December 24, with all donations of either money or goods welcome.

Steve Ridyard, who owns Peter Ridyards Second Hand Dealers in the town and is primarily organising it, is aiming to raise £10,000 from the event.

The Salvation Army will be in attendance to provide festive sounds, while there will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, Spider-Man, Batman, Pikachu and much more.

Santa and his elves will also be giving out free presents to children, while free hot and cold refreshments will be provided.

Steve said: “Each year, it’s got bigger and bigger. We’ve already raised £1,000 already. We’ve all put our heads together and approached business that we know, who have all donated.

“I know £10,000 is quite high, but if we don’t set a goal, we’re never going to achieve it.

“If we can get more people involved, we can raise more money. I cant believe how big it’s getting each year.

“This year, there will be a few more activities, and more people getting involved.”

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Last year’s event, which included a brass and bugle band, a double-visit from Father Christmas, and hot food and refreshments, saw roughly more than 700 people attend.

The money raised was split five ways, between the Salvation Army, Rhyl Lifeboat Station, Holy Trinity Church, The Kings Storehouse foodbank in Rhyl, and Rhyl Fire Station.

A total of 125 toys and presents which were left were then sent to the children’s ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan.

Steve, who is being helped by numerous people in organising it, including NHS worker Neeley Street and Julie Woodward, St Thomas’ Church warden, has also set up a brand to promote the event.

A “risqué calendar” is also being planned to help raise funds, while Steve plans to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever.

Any donations, such as toiletries, clothes, sleeping bags, and children’s toys, would also be appreciated.

Steve added: “We’re also doing a risqué calendar (to raise money) – nothing too revealing, though, because we want to sell the calendars!

“We’ve got a brand now, which is the ‘Rhyl Wings Projects’, and are going for a charity number as well.

“Because things like food and electricity have gone up in cost, we’re just trying to give a helping hand again.

“It’s just bringing everyone together again, but hopefully bigger and with more money raised.”

For more information, go to: www.facebook.com/rhylwingsprojects.