A MAGICAL world for children has opened up in the basement of Bishop Auckland Town Hall, as Christmas celebrations get under way in the town centre.
Youngsters can walk through sparkling snow white woodland to post their letters to Father Christmas.
Children from the York House day nursery were at Monday's launch of the post box, which has been arranged by the Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum. Admission is free and it will stay open until Christmas Eve on every day except Sundays.
Normal opening hours at the Hutchinson Gallery have been extended so that children can visit after school. It is open from 10am until 6pm on weekdays and between 9am and 4pm on Saturdays.
Tonight, the town switches on its Christmas lights with a procession organised by the Butterwick Hospice reaching the market place at 6.30pm for community carol singing with Ferryhill Town Band.
Shops are open late and there is a farmers' market with 20 stalls. A Christmas craft fair will be held at the Queen's Head from 2pm to 8pm.
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