A LOCAL councillor took on the role of Santa Claus this week by delivering a seasonal gift to Ross Rotary in the form of the club’s emblem that 20 years ago graced the top of the town’s Christmas tree – before it was stolen.

Cllr Ed O’Driscoll explained that he received an unexpected message from Mike Meredith, owner of local business Ross Reclamation.

Ed told the Gazette: “Mike arrived at his premises last week to find the original Ross Rotary emblem from the towns Christmas tree that was stolen over 20 years ago on his doorstep.

“There was an anonymous note apologising for the ‘over exuberance of youth’ and he asked me if I could help reunite the emblem with its owners and of course I’ve been delighted to make it happen.”

Ross Rotary club have sponsored the tree in front of the Market House for more than 30 years and have a proud history of supporting important local initiatives.

Scott Teasdale, president of Ross Rotary said: “We are very pleased to get our sign back, and although we don't condone what happened all those years ago, we appreciate the honesty of whoever held on to it for so long in returning it.

“It is too late to get it onto the tree this year, but after a bit of TLC it will be ready for next year.”

The Rotary Club are always on the lookout for new members and would be delighted to hear from anybody if they’d like to get involved.