SANTA and his sleigh are set to return to Darlington as he collects from members of the public in aid of surrounding charities and causes based in the town.

From Sunday, Santa will swap his usual role of present-giving as he descends on Middleton St George, before moving onto High Grange, Coniscliffe Road, Hummersknott, Hurworth, Mowden, Cockerton, West Park, Whinfield and the town centre over the next two weeks.

Throughout December, Santa and his volunteers from Darlington Bondgate Roundtable and Friends will make their way across the Darlington locations and are currently scheduled to land on High Row on Saturday, December 21.

The tradition, which has become well known across the town, has been going for more than 30 years, raising around £7,000 in donations each year.

Returning for Santa's collection this year, children and parents will be able to track his every step online at santasatnav.com or by using their Facebook page 'santasatnav'.

Parents can also use the Santa tracker to find out individual dates for when the team are expected to land in their area.

Those who are unable to catch Santa and his sleigh can donate to the cause by texting 'SANTA 1' to 70085 to donate £1 or other amounts.

Residents who are interested in joining the Darlington Bondgate Roundtable are asked to visit darlington.roundtable.co.uk.