Santa boards big red fire truck for annual Lolly Run

At 9am this morning, a very special guest swapped his sleigh for a big red truck at Fire and Rescue NSW's 325 Station on Walker Street in Helensburgh.

His mission: to deliver lollies, waves and smiles across the district.

According to local tradition, Captain Roslyn Thomas and her crew of Christmas elves proceeded slowly around town, handing out pre-packed lollies to all the good children of Helensburgh and Stanwell Tops.

Green and gold tinsel added a touch of patriotic local colour to Santa's Aussie ride and the big man kindly paused the fire truck for photos with young fans. Thanks to Illawarra Flame photographer Anthony Warry for capturing the moment.

The 325 Station team thanked Kirrily Sloane for organising the lolly donations from Tradies Helensburgh and the local Lions Club, longtime sponsors of the Santa Run. The crew wishes everyone a happy, fire-safe holiday.

Stay safe this summer

Fire and Rescue NSW is reminding everyone to clean their gutters and clear away leaves. Today's Illawarra bushfire danger rating is set at 'moderate' but this is predicted to rise to 'high' (be ready to act) on Tuesday, December 23.

Other Festive Season fire-safety tips include:

• when setting up fairy lights and other electrical displays, use only one item per power socket – don't overload power boards or piggy back double adaptors
• Only use decorative lights with an Australian Standards label
• Keep flammable objects like wrapping paper away from decorative lights, which may become very hot
• Switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed.
• Make sure you have enough working smoke alarms.