A CHRISTMAS float which brings seasonal joy to families in Yate, Frenchay and Winterbourne is in need of some festive goodwill.

The Frenchay Float Group, which annually decks out a float as a Christmas scene and drives it around South Gloucestershire on Friday and Saturday nights on the remaining four weekends in the lead up to Christmas, desperately needs one or several tractor drivers and their vehicles to help this year.

The float has been making stops in Yate, Downend, Frenchay, Stapleton, Winterbourne, Stoke Gifford and Emersons Green for 30 years and raises money for Southmead Hospital but this year the group’s driver has had to pull out this year.

Juliette Hughes, Southmead Hospital emergency zone matron, said: “For the last 30 years the Frenchay Float has been bringing joy to families in South Gloucestershire and we don’t want to let anyone down.

“It is a lovely way to spread some festive cheer while also supporting the emergency department.

“The float has been going out for so long that it would be a shame to stop now, and we don’t want to disappoint the people who look forward to us coming around every year.

“If you have a tractor and can spare us some time to tow the float we would really appreciate your support.”

Money raised through this year’s float is due to be used to provide soft furnishings and other items for the counselling room at Southmead Hospital and a donation will also be made to the British Heart Foundation.

If you can help out please email Juliette.Hughes@nbt.nhs.uk