CAMPAIGNERS seeking to gain £1m in funding to create a job’s boost in County Durham have used Santa Claus to advertise the scheme.

The Gaunless Gateway Partnership is seeking Big Local Trust funding so that it can create jobs and apprenticeship opportunities in south west Durham.

The idea is still at an early stage but if it is successful it is envisaged that the benefits will be felt for at least ten years.

To promote the idea they took Santa Claus round West Auckland and Bishop Auckland to hand out goodie bags promoting the scheme.

Santa’s float started on Windermere Drive, in West Auckland, before it went to the village green, in the town, and on to the recreation area on Davis Avenue, in St Helen Auckland.

It then headed to Tindall Crescent, near Bishop Auckland.

Then it went to Bishop Auckland calling at the Woodhouse Close estate, Ford Way, the Henknowle estate and Cockton Hill primary and infant schools, in Bishop Auckland.

Clive Auld, chairman of the Gaunless group, said: “We’re looking to draw down £1m for a large scale project in the Bishop Auckland area.

“We gave out 1,000 goodie bags with Christmas cards in them and a pen with the group’s logo on it. It provided festive cheer and promoted the scheme.”

Santa Claus and he float was loaned to the Gateway group by Shildon Town Council. The Gateway trust will make a donation to one of the council’s charities in thanks.