A CHARITY sleigh ride was used as 'target practice' for a gang of yobs in a town - who threw stones at Santa.

Weston South ward sleigh ride was pelted with stones as it travelled through Bournville in Weston-Super-Mare.

The annual sleigh ride, which is organised by the Axe District Explorer Scouts, was pelted with stones by four youths as it travelled through the Bournville estate on Tuesday, December 18.

Organisers say that one volunteer was hit by a stone but wasn't injured.

The event, which is in its seventh year, had to be cut short as a result.

The incident went viral on social media and the boys were contacted by youth workers from YMCA and North Somerset Council.

They agreed to volunteer and help with a later leg of the Santa route in Nailsea where they gave out lollies to children along the route.

The ride raised £2,245 in total.

All three have all signed up to help with the event next year.