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Britain’s longest serving Father Christmas, Ray Hulse, 77, from Shropshire, has visited children at Highley Community Primary School in Bridgnorth to spread Christmas joy to all, whilst completing his 59th year stepping in for Santa. See SWNS story SWMDsanta. December 15, 2021. Britain's longest-serving Santa Claus is still bringing the magic of Christmas to children after donning his festive red suit – for the 59th year running. Ray Hulse, 77, has given out thousands of gifts to gleeful kids to make their dreams come true since stepping in as a stand-in Santa in 1962. Following his half-a-century of yuletide cheer, the retired carpet fitter has managed to raise over £55,000 for local charities. He created his first grotto at a simple Ford garage and since then has appeared in hundreds of supermarkets and schools across his home county of Shropshire. This year, the grandfather-of-one, is travelling around primary schools spreading festive cheer – and has been raising money for the Highley Community School.