Walsall mayor gets festive for charity at local superstore
The mayor of Walsall left his ceremonial chains at home for this festive event - instead donning his best Christmas jumper and Santa hat to greet customers in the town's Tesco superstore.
Councillor Marco Longhi, with wife and mayoress Andrea Longhi, daughters Mônica, 18, and Daniela, 16, set up a festive table at Tesco Extra in Littleton Street West to raise money for the mayor's chosen charity WPH Counselling, which supports mental health in teenagers.
The family spread some Christmas spirit to shoppers by offering to pack shopping, wrap gifts, paint faces and more.
Also with them was Mônica's boyfriend Aadam Khan, his little brother Aeman, 11, and their mother Aqsa, who all also helped with activities on offer.
Councillor Longhi said: "It all went really well. We saw lots of happy people, and that's what it's all about. And if you can make some money for charity on top of it then what could be better?"
Both the mayor and mayoress had their faces painted, and were dressed in Christmas outfits - with the mayor in a knitted jumper depicting a reindeer, and his wife in a Mrs Christmas get-up.
Leah Taylor, community champion at Tesco Extra Walsall said the store had been hosting charity activities each weekend over the seasonal period.
She said: "So far this year we have raised £42,000 for various charities, and this is something we do every year. So we've been doing face painting, selling reindeer food, gift wrapping.
"It's all gone so well. Our customers are so generous. We often get the same ones coming back each weekend and donating. Next weekend we've got the St Giles Santa Sleigh, so we'll be raising money for that."
