FATHER Christmas and Rudolf made a splash at a North-East town yesterday.

The pair turned up at Hartlepool marina in a red and white speedboat to publicise Santa's forthcoming arrival, on Saturday, December 4, when he will move into his grotto at the Historic Quay. On that date, there will be free entry to the quay from 4pm.

From then, the grotto will be open every weekday up to Christmas, between 3.30pm and 4.30pm, and every weekend, from 1pm to 4pm.

A visit to Father Christmas will cost £2, including a gift, or free for anyone who has paid to visit the quay.

December 4 is also Hartlepool District Hospice's Light Up A Life night at the quay, starting at 6pm.

It gives people the opportunity to sponsor a light on a Christmas tree in memory of a loved one or friend.

The name of each person remembered is recorded and a card and pin badge will be sent to each sponsor.

There will be a host of other events each weekend at the quay, which this year will be on the theme of The 12 Days of Christmas.

These will include choirs singing carols, storytelling, stilt-walking, dance performances, street theatre, exotic animals and birds, craft sessions and treasure trails.

From Sunday, December 5, until early in the New Year, residents of Hartlepool will be able to visit at the reduced price of £2 for adults and £1 for children. The normal entry fee is £5.50 for adults and £3 for children and concessions.

For more details, contact (01429) 860077.