LUCKY-DIP tubs have set children digging for early presents to raise money for a Christmas lights appeal.

Val Metcalf, from the Tourist Information Centre in Middleton-in-Teesdale, came up with the fundraising idea as a way of giving youngsters a glimpse of the past.

She said: "Many of today's children have not experienced the excitement of digging deep into a tub filled with real sawdust to pull out a gift."

Three tubs with gifts for different age ranges will be in the Tourist Information Centre, run by Middleton Plus Community Development Group, at 10 Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale, until December 23.

A lucky-dip costs 75p and all proceeds will go to the Middleton Christmas Lights Appeal