Santa where are you?

As part of the county town's Christmas Cracker shopping bonanza, which will take place on Thursday, December 6, staff from a number of shops based in Princes Street are looking for a Father Christmas to help raise funds for the Joseph Weld Hospice.

Members of staff from shops including Spirals Hair Design, Argos and The Dressing Room in Dorchester have clubbed together to provide street entertainment on Christmas Cracker night and collect cash for the charity.

There will be face painting and a jazz band will play outside Argos on Princes Street and the organisers have Santa's grotto - but there is still no sign of Father Christmas.

Owner of Spirals Hair Design, Yvonne Hunter, is appealing for someone to come forward and fill Santa's boots.

She said: "We have asked all our friends and acquaintances who fit the bill if they would become Santa for the night but so far no one has come forward.

"It is for a good cause and it would only be from 6pm to 8pm on the night. We have a grotto and we will all be dressing up as fairies and elves, so all we need is Santa."

Yvonne believes that one of the reasons why no one has come forward yet is that some people are frightened that they will make a fool of themselves.

She said: "They also might not come forward because they think they don't fit the bill of Santa Claus."

She added: "We are looking for a volunteer who hopefully has his own Santa suit, looks a little like Father Christmas, is good with children, will be able to get into the spirit of the evening and wants to raise as much money for Joseph Weld as possible.

"In fact if there are any women out there who think they could do a good job as Santa, please get in contact."

Shops also involved in the Princes Street bash include The Music Box, Bon Bon Newsagents, Choice Caf and The Ship Inn.

If anyone is interested in becoming Santa Claus for the evening and help raise money for charity should contact Yvonne Hunter on (01305) 265174.