HUNDREDS of youngsters will dress as angels and kings for Bishop Auckland's annual Christmas parade.
Organisers say that the procession through the town centre tonight, Thursday, looks set to be the biggest yet.
There will be people on stilts, a pipe band, vintage cars, a traction engine, a fire engine and of course Santa and his gingerbread house.
Eight primary schools from the town and the surrounding area will take part in the along with Scouts, Guides and Rainbows, each following the theme of Angels and Kings. Students from Stagecoach will give a preview of their new CD, An Angel is Coming, and Bishop Auckland drama section will sing carols.
The Round Table, Asda, Party Pieces and Hogans will also do their bit for the event, which will raise money for the Butterwick Hospice.
Beryl Bell of the hospice said: "This is probably our biggest procession yet. The support in the town has been enormous. On behalf of the hospice I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and thank them for all their support.''
The procession leaves Morrisons car par at 6pm followed by a carol service from 6.30pm in the Market Place.
A Christmas fete will take place in the Post Chaise Hotel, from noon to 8pm.
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