Teenager gets set to stage a Christmas treat for villagers near Horsham

Seventeen-year-old student Sidney Brazil will hitch his pony Tiny Tim to his cart and drive Santa around his home village of Barns Green on Christmas Eve – for the third year in a row.

He first hit on the idea after looking for a way to bring some Christmas cheer to children stuck at home during the first Covid lockdown. And it was such a success that he’s been doing it ever since.

Proud mum Julie said: "It’s a beautiful thing for him to do. He just wanted to give to the community and he even went out and bought Santa and elf costumes himself.”

Sidney, who is studying agriculture at Brinsbury College, even decorated pony Tiny Tim with lights and baubles and persuaded family friend Steve Darby to dress as Santa to accompany him around the village.

"He’s my Father Claus,” said Sidney. But he admitted to being a little nervous on his first outing wondering if anyone would turn up to see them.

Have you read? Car drivers face tough new action for using bus-only route in Broadbridge Heath

Tesco to open new Horsham town centre store

Major new look for Horsham store voted ‘Best in UK’

Another friend – Rebecca Small – who also has a pony gave support to Sidney and Steve by also dressing up as a Christmas elf.

"It was all quiet when we set off then we turned a corner and there were 50 or 60 people there,” said Sidney.

And now the villagers are eagerly awaiting their Christmas Eve treat again this year.

"People seem to like seeing Tiny,” said Sidney. And it’s not just at Christmas. “I sometimes drive him around the village when I go to get my hair cut.”