FATHER Christmas swapped his sleigh for a fire engine as he arrived for a parade at an open air museum.

The grand procession through the 1900s Town of Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, featured fire engines through the decades and Mrs Claus on a sleigh pulled by huskies.

Visitors gathered at the Winter Fun Fair and watched Father Christmas switch on the tree lights to declare Christmas at Beamish open.

Paul Foster, Beamish’s historic events officer, said: “We were delighted to welcome Father Christmas to Beamish with such a magnificent parade.

“It was an amazing sight to see the procession, including fire engines, huskies, Mrs Claus’ sleigh and the band, make its way through the 1900s Town as visitors lined the street – what a fantastic start to Christmas at Beamish.”

Christmas at Beamish is taking place from 10am to 4pm every day until December 24. It is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and January 2.

Father Christmas will be in his fireside Grotto at Pockerley Waggonway daily until Christmas Eve, along with his reindeer.

Beamish’s real ice rink has also opened at the Winter Fun Fair, which also includes the steam gallopers and sideshows.

Unlimited Passes, which are valid for 12 months, can be used for Christmas at Beamish daytimes. A small extra charge applies for Father Christmas’ Grotto (small gift included), ice rink, steam gallopers and sideshows.

Find out more about Christmas at Beamish at http://www.beamish.org.uk/events/christmas-at-beamish/.