CHRISTMAS came early for shoppers at a North-East town as Santa and his reindeer flew in for a special visit.

Crowds lined the streets of Darlington to catch a glimpse of the man himself as he was pulled around the town by a herd of Cairngorm reindeer.

The Christmas parade was hosted by the Cornmill Centre and led by the Cockerton Prize Silver Band, who played festive tunes as the procession set off from Tubwell Row, before making its way through the town centre, along Blackwellgate and High Row, back towards Tubwell Row.

Following the parade, youngsters also got the chance to meet Santa in the Cornmill Centre, where he was joined by two elves with a Good or Bad-O-Meter to check whether children and parents alike were on Santa’s list.

The Cornmill Shopping Centre’s late night Thursday Christmas opening began last Thursday, (November 27), meaning stores will be open until 8pm.

Parking is free after 4pm on late night Thursdays.