Father Christmas’s reindeer are at risk from being left in the North Pole for one of Marlow’s top Christmas events if essential cash is not raised to fund the furry friends.

The Marlow Chamber of Commerce has sent out an appeal to help raise the £1,000 needed to bring the festive animals to Marlow for the annual Late Night Shopping Event.

For the past three years the chamber has welcomed a heard of reindeer on to the High Street for visitors to pet.

While the grotto has already been given the green light, more money is needed for the heard to accompany Father Christmas and keep the tradition going.

This comes after Panache Fire Service decided not to continue its sponsorship after two years of generous donations.

Chamber secretary, Jo Braybrooke said: “We are looking for a new sponsor this year so we don’t disappoint the public and our stallholders.

“I would be grateful if your company feels it would like to sponsor this for us this year as it is a great way to advertise – we do a lot of that – and your name would be on the actual reindeer pen as well as in all our media coverage.

“It may be that several smaller companies would like to contribute and advertise in this way.”

For more information contact Mrs Braybrooke on marlowchamber@computercavern.co.uk