A SPECIAL seasonal visit from Santa Claus has brought Christmas to the North-East.

Father Christmas was in Durham City on Sunday evening to switch-on the festival lights in the historic Market Place.

Hundreds of people braved the bracing winter weather for the annual event that featured an orchestra playing Christmas tunes.

There was also a family fun panto-style play performed to entertain the crowds and help spread yuletide cheer.

Adam Deathe, business engagement manager at Durham BID, which organised the event said: “Christmas is a magical time of year and where better to celebrate the season than in Durham?

“Our lights switch on marks the start of an exciting programme of events this December, packed with fun and festivities for all the family to enjoy.

“From Christmas characters and choirs across the city to a very festive Dine and Fashion InDurham, as well as the much-loved Durham City Traditional Christmas Festival, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors both old and new to the city to share in the magic of Durham at Christmas time.”