THE county town of North Yorkshire is preparing to welcome a very special visitor this weekend.

Santa Claus is coming to town – and Northallerton is planning to greet him in style with a day of festive events.

The annual Santa Sunday, organised by the town council, has grown to become a hugely successful day of celebrations, with crowds packing the High Street to join in the fun.

This year the events run from 11am to 5pm with food and gift stalls as well as a play bus for youngsters and music from the Northallerton District Silver Band. There will also be small fairground rides for children.

After a karate demonstration at 1pm there will be a town carol service at 1.30 followed by a performance by local school choirs.

Santa himself will arrive at about 2.30pm to meet his young fans and before he leaves at about 4.30pm he will join the mayor, Cllr John Forrest, to turn on the town’s Christmas lights.