SANTA Clause will swap his sleigh for a surfboard next week when he rides the waves for charity.

Peter Rowan, 18, and his step-brother Harley Goundry, 24, of Binchester, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, will dress up as Santa and an elf and take to the water at Saltburn-by-the-Sea in Cleveland on Christmas Day.

The festive stunt is aimed at raising money for Restless Development – a charity that helps young people in the developing world by educating them on sexual health, increasing their employment prospects and empowering them to influence policy-making.

In January, Mr Rowan will travel to India and volunteer for the charity.

The Department for International Development is funding his three-month trip but he needs to raise £800 to enable Restless Development to buy resources.

The 18-year-old, who will study Geography and International Studies at Manchester University next year, has already raised more than £300 by busking with his violin and hopes the Santa stunt will help him hit his fundraising target.

“I am really looking forward to it,” said Mr Rowan. “It should be good fun and it will raise funds for a good cause.”

If you would like to sponsor Mr Rowan visit justgiving.com/peter-rowan1