TWO youngsters had a ride in Santa’s sleigh around Teesside Shopping Park after winning a competition.

Gabrielle Hall from Ingleby Barwick and Zenon Carlin from Stockton, both aged seven, won the Facebook competition and not only met Santa and his reindeer, but had a ride in the sleigh as well.

The male reindeer Pancake pulled the sleigh while female Ella and her calf Oscar also delighted the children, their families and other shoppers.

Teesside Shopping Park manager Mike Clarke said: “Gabrielle and Zenon had a super time meeting Santa and having a ride in the sleigh which was pulled around the park by Pancake.

“Having the reindeer made it a magical Christmas moment for our shoppers and we hope the children will now look forward even more to Christmas when Santa will be in his sleigh once again.”