Action Media Hire Ltd

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Bury’s "police Santa" has completed another successful festive season of bringing joy to families in the borough.

“The Santaceptor”, running for the fourth year in a row, began its journey on December 9 at Cosalea café in Brandlesholme.

Father Christmas, dressed in a police officer uniform, gave presents to youngsters from his police-themed car at numerous locations across the borough. His bespoke vehicle is supplied and modified by the Northern Police Car Hire Specialist’s Action Media Hire, who has been the project’s lead partner since its inception four years ago.

The Santaceptor, with the help of dachshund mascots Bizzie, Winter and Hunny, distributed more than 3,000 chocolate gifts to children, covering 409 miles, visiting 285 streets, stopping at two schools and a hospital children’s ward.

A total of £2261.05 was raised for Bury Hospice, too.

Brent-James Pinder, co-founder of The Santaceptor, said: “The Santaceptor project stands out in its commitment to the true meaning of Christmas - giving and togetherness.

“This year, we’ve ensured every child receives an edible treat, free of charge, celebrating equality and inclusivity.

“In stark contrast to the exorbitant costs of fancy grottos, our initiative ensures no child is left out during these trying times.

“We’re not just about the bells and whistles; we’re about keeping the magic of Christmas alive.

“We’re all about delivering a genuine, enchanting experience, safeguarding the precious memories of childhood.”

Greater Manchester Police has supported the project and accompanied Santa on visits to St Joseph and St Bede RC Primary School and Guardian Angels RC Primary School.

The legacy of Sir Robert Peel inspired the idea and seeks to foster positive reactions and break down barriers between the community and emergency services.

Brent said: “The Santaceptor’s fourth project has been a resounding success, uniting the community, spreading unparalleled joy, and redefining the essence of Christmas in Bury.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, and here’s to making next year even brighter!”

Bury North MP James Daly, who helped launch the initiative, added: “It’s a great thing. It’s four years of hard work, kindness, and making a difference in our community. Thank you to PC Claus, and thank you to all the sponsors.”

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THE DIRECTOR of a company that hires police cars for film and television productions found himself at the centre of a real-life emergency while driving one of his vehicles.

Brent-James Pinder, managing director of Action Media Hire Ltd in Bury, along with his colleague Helen Heaton, was driving home in one of the company’s film police vehicles at around 11 am on Thursday, May 12 when they spotted an articulated lorry on fire on the hard shoulder of the southbound side of the M40.

Brent had just showcased the car at the London Media Production and Technology Show when he saw the blaze on the M40 near Oxford.

As emergency services were yet to arrive, Brent, travelling northbound, turned the vehicle around to attend the scene.

No one was reportedly injured in the incident, and the lorry driver was safe from the vehicle.

Once Brent and Helen approached the blaze, they stopped the vehicle straddling lanes one and two, activated the lights, and stood on the embankment away from the roadside.

Despite not being a genuine police officer, Brent explained that he still had a “duty of care” for the public.

He said: “We were in contact with Thames Valley Police after the incident, too, as they had to check why we had the vehicle.

“They appreciated our quick response and confirmed their satisfaction with our reasoning.

“We acknowledged with the police that we understood that using the blue lights was a contravention of the Roads Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 but that as civilians had been continuing to travel in all three lanes and close to the fire, we had a duty of care to use the asset we held and to preserve life under the Human Rights Act 1998.”

While the motorway was closed, Prince Charles was caught in traffic on his way to open a building at the University of Oxford.

Brent felt it was ironic that his company, a Prince’s Trust Greater Manchester-supported business, played a part in helping the Prince of Wales on his way.

As well as police cars, Action Media Hire also hires police uniforms and equipment and sources various vehicles for media productions.

Brent started the company in October last year and has already hired his cars to several music video and TV productions, such as a music video for Brit award-winning rapper, Little Simz.