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Grinch spotted in Tonbridge on the way to Bishop Chavasse Church school

By: Megan Carr mcarr@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 13:16, 16 December 2022

Updated: 13:43, 16 December 2022

A Grinch is surprising children on the school-run and even gritting the roads.

Daniel Wood, from Baltic Road in Tonbridge, has been dressing as the fictional Christmas character since snow fell across the county.

Daniel Wood as the Grinch with his daughter, Isabella

The 31-year-old dad said: "With the bad weather at the moment and the cost-of-living crisis a lot of people are understandably miserable.

"I wanted to spread some happiness and as my seven-year-old daughter, Isabella, loves the Grinch I thought I could use the costume I had at home to put some smiles on people's faces."

Daniel, who is a caretaker for a security company, bought the costume for Halloween.

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He said: "The trick or treaters loved it so when it snowed, I knew I had to dress up once again."

Since snow fell in Tonbridge, Daniel has been taking his daughter – and sometimes her best friend, Noah – to Bishop Chavasse Church of England Primary School on a sledge dressed as the furry green anti-hero.

Daniel Wood with his daughter, Isabella, and her best friend, Noah

Daniel said: "I found it unfair that a lot of the little kids still had to go to school when it snowed whereas many of the secondary schools had closed.

"I wanted them to still have a fun snow day. That's why I've been turning up as the Grinch on the school-run.

"Everyone loves it and I've had really positive feedback on social media. Seeing the Grinch in Tonbridge is bringing a lot of Christmas cheer."

Daniel has even worn his festive outfit to work.

As a caretaker, part of his role has been gritting the town centre, which on occasions he's done as the Grinch.

Daniel Wood as the Grinch in Tonbridge

He added: "It brings cheer to people to see me, well the Grinch, gritting the paths and roads.

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"It's all good fun for the little ones. I even bought my Christmas tree all dressed up as well."

Dog walker Sheree Atcheson, 31, is one of those who has seen Daniel out and about at the top of Tudeley Lane.

She said: "I was walking my dog, Josie, and saw him in the distance. I thought it was super funny.

"He was carrying flowers and I hadn't put the Grinch down to be big into bouquets!

Sheree Atcheson loved seeing Daniel Wood dressed as the Grinch. Picture: Sheree Atcheson

"I love Christmas and it's so nice seeing people going out of their way to bring a little cheer to others – something I think we could all do with more of."

Daniel hopes to continue spreading the Christmas cheer throughout the rest of December.

He added: "Unlike the Grinch in the movie, I am very well behaved and won't be stealing anything!"

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