HUNDREDS of children and parents lined the streets of Darlington on Saturday morning and cheered loudly as Santa made one of his first appearances of the year.
In a sleigh pulled by six reindeer, Santa and his little helper waved out at the crowds as they made their way through the town centre with a brass band leading the way.
Some children carried carrots to feed the reindeer, while others got into the Christmas spirit by dressing in red noses and reindeer horns.
One boy had his eyes to the skies in anticipation for Santa's arrival as his father had told him he would fly into Darlington and land in the centre.
Gail Mitchinson said she brought her children Lauren, 11, and Jack, four, into town to see Santa every year.
"They always enjoy it, but I think this is the first year Jack has really learned to appreciate it and he has been very excited," she said.
On Saturday evening Santa greeted crowds on High Row as he helped switch on the town's Christmas lights.
The sound of festive music filled the air as schoolchildren sang in the Carol for Darlington competition.
Children can see Santa in his grotto in the Cornmill Shopping Centre. Admission is £2.
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