A GROUP of big-hearted neighbours helped make a dying dad's Christmas wish come true.

Alan Green, 51, of Ellesmere Port, was looking forward to Christmas Day and a visit from Santa, bringing presents for his six children, arranged by friends in the Aldgate area.

Mr Green died on Tuesday of last week but his widow Donna insisted the visit still went ahead on Sunday evening for the sake of Christian, 15, Katy, 14, Steven, 12, Chloe, eight, Sophie, six, and Hollie, four.

Mrs Green said: 'I'd heard two weeks ago that something was happening on Sunday and I wasn't that interested, but thought it would be great for the children.

'Santa's visit gave the children something to distract them from what has happened. We'll still do Christmas together, but it won't be like normal.'

She thanked Ray Wardle, who turned up dressed as Santa with his caravan-sleigh loaded with gifts donated by local firms and people.

His visit was organised by neighbours Jan Livesley and Denise McNeil who wrote letters about Mr Green's plight to Port companies, asking for presents for his children.

Mrs Livesley said: 'We wanted to bring Christmas forward for the family because we knew Alan didn't have long to live. And when we heard about him passing on, we still wanted to do this for the children.

'Lots of people helped us. We thank Lynne Samerson of Castrol, who donated lots of toys, Asda, which sent a food hamper, Sid Arathoon who took the letter into Castrol, Sutton High School, Jo at Techniques hairdressers and all the others.'

Mrs Green said: 'It overwhelmed me when I'd heard what these people had done. I'm very touched by it.

'We have great neighbours, who've been really supportive throughout. I can't thank them enough.'

Mr Green was diagnosed with cancer in December 2002 and had an operation in May 2003, after which he spent seven weeks in intensive care.

He started recovering but, four months ago, suffered a relapse.

Mrs Green said: 'This time the cancer was everywhere and he was given six months to live. But it went a lot faster than that.'

Last Monday he was taken to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd at Backford, where he died the following day.

Born in Seaforth, Mr Green was a merchant seaman for seven years before moving into sales. His last job was as a double glazing salesman. The family moved to the Port 10 years ago.

Mrs Green said: 'Alan was a fantastic man, kind and selfless, clever with a great sense of humour.'

His funeral was at Landican, Arrowe Park, yesterday. Donations in his memory can be sent to the hospice.