Is this the oldest Santa in town?

(Joan is as active and hilarious as this article suggests. This was in today's Bath Chronicle.)

You don't find many women in their 80s donning a white beard and dressing up as Santa Claus.
But Joan Long, from Oxford Row, Lansdown, isn't like most women her age.

For the past three years, the fun-loving pensioner has put on her festive garb to raise money for Christian Aid.

"I really enjoy doing it," said Mrs Long, who collects outside her church each year while the congregation sing Christmas carols.

"I've been going to the Central United Reformed Church in Argyle Street for years so when they asked me to do it, I said yes.

"Last Saturday was the best year yet and I raised £249.22 in two hours with £55 in notes. It's not bad for an 87-year-old."

Mrs Long admits it can get cold standing around so she takes a brisk walk up and down to keep warm.

"I'm a tough old bird really," she said.

"I tried to do a parachute jump earlier this year but the doctor advised against it."Born in Cardiff, Mrs Long moved to Bath to join the RAF in 1940.

"I wanted to see the world but for the whole war I was stuck cooking," she said.

"Then I met and married my husband Joe."Together, the couple were church officers at the old Huntington Church in The Paragon, Bath.

"We were there for about 30 years but then Joe had a stroke and died and I moved to Oxford Row," she said.

Mrs Long said her family put on four parties to celebrate her 87th birthday this year and she also flew to Los Angeles to see her daughter.

"God willing I'll be able to dress up and collect next year," she said.