A FESTIVE event in Bude was saved after a local hero stepped up to bring the Christmas cheer.

Each week, Lisa Wood runs a Move2music class for adults with special educational needs. With Christmas round the corner, Lisa organised a Christmas party, complete with food, drinks and of course a visit from Father Christmas.

Fifteen adults attended the party, all very excited to meet the big man.

However, while enjoying a hot chocolate and a Christmas cupcake - kindly provided by Tracey Werner - crisis struck, as Lisa was informed that Santa couldn’t make the party.

With a Christmas crisis on their hands, it was up to a hero to come forward! With a few calls made, Lisa got through to one of her clients, Denise, who swiftly got in touch with her husband, “local legend” Peter ‘Vicko’ Vickery, who despite prior plans, dusted off a red jacket and headed straight for the party.

Within 15 minutes Santa’s stand-in arrived, just like a Christmas miracle. Upon his arrival, Peter gave presents to all of the adults.

The group even took the chance to perform a dance routine which they had been taught at previous sessions. Members, support workers and visitors all joined in the dance, “Rocking around the Christmas tree”.

Lisa told the Post: “I was so emotional to see how happy Santa made all of my amazing adults. It really was a very special moment, I can’t thank Vicko and Denise enough for saving the day!

“Everyone was smiling Peter was crying with tears of joy, he said it was the most humble experience he has ever had! Later that afternoon I hunted Vicko down at his favourite drinking venue Crooklets Beach cafe to go and buy him his favourite pint!”