FATHER Christmas has been spreading festive cheer around Darlington and helping to raise funds for local good causes.

Organised by Darlington Bondgate Round Table, the Santa Sleigh appeal visits villages and estates around the town every year, led by members of the organisation who volunteer their time to make the appeal a success.

In its first week of fundraising the sleigh has visited Middleton St George, Hurworth, Cockerton and the the High Grange and Coniscliffe Road areas.

The Round Table is made up of local people who want to support their local community, make friends and learn new skills.

Fundraising is a key part of the Round Table and this year the organisation has donated £9,000 to good causes, including £2,800 to primary school projects and £500 to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre.

Mark France, from the Round Table, said: “Our helpers and collectors are volunteers and give up their time freely to aid with the sleigh routes in collecting.”

The Santa's Sleigh tour will continue this week at the following locations: Hummersknott, Sunday, December 15; Mowden, Monday, December 16; Brinkburn Road, Tuesday, December 17; Whinfield, Wednesday, December 18; the Elton Road area, Thursday, December 19 and High Row, Saturday, December 21.

For more information about the organisation visit darlington.roundtable.co.uk