HORSERIDERS will be getting into the festive spirit with a sponsored mounted Santa parade later this month.

Now in its third year at Hamsterley Forest, Barnard Castle and Teesdale Riding Club and Hamsterley Riding Association are organising the event in aid of Butterwick Hospice.

Riders are invited to join a five-mile parade through the forest and Hamsterley village on Saturday, December 23.

The event will start at 11am at Hamsterley tennis courts and registration will be open between 10am and 10.45am.

Riders will then return to the village for bacon buns kindly provided by The Cross Keys.

The event is being sponsored by The Feed Warehouse who are also supplying the rosettes.

The route is weather dependent and could be postponed. All horses must be road safe and happy in big groups.

Parking is very limited so riders are asked to share a horse box if possible.

Entry is £15 which includes a Santa suit, bacon butty and rosette.

Santa suits are all one size so small children will be supplied a hat and beard but may also come in fancy dress. To enter visit butterwick.org.uk/mountedsantaparade or for more information email helenkirby@butterwick.org.uk or call 01388-660644.