A FESTIVE bus will be doing the rounds across the North-East - and you'll probably get the chance to see it drive by.

Go North East has launched its majestic open-top 'Santa Bus', which will be touring towns across County Durham and Tyne & Wear up until Christmas Eve.

The bus, which has been decked out in Christmas lighting donated by the Parkside Community Centre, features its very own Santa.

Although you won't actually be able to board the vehicle, the bus will be driving past dozens of locations in the next week.

A timed schedule is not being published to avoid any crowding, but Go North East bosses have revealed where it will be on what days. 

Here's when and where you can see it...

Tuesday, December 15 – Washington, Wardley Estate, Leam Lane, Heworth, Sunderland Road, Gateshead Interchange, Bensham, Whickham, Fellside Park, Swalwell, Metrocentre, Dunston, Blaydon and Winlaton Bus Station.

Wednesday, December 16 – Chester Road in Sunderland, Penshaw, Shiney Row, Bournmoor, Woodstone Village, Chester-le-Street, Pelaw Estate, Pelton, Beamish, Stanley Bus Station, Annfield Plain, Leadgate, Consett Bus Station, Lanchester Witton Gilbert, Aykley Heads and Durham Bus Station.

Thursday,  December 17 – Houghton-le-Spring, Hetton-le-Hole, Low Moorsley, Easington Lane, South Hetton, Easington Village, Peterlee, Hordon, Easington Colliery, Dalton Park, Murton, Dawdon, Parkside, Seaham Harbour, Deneside, Seaham Grange and Ryhope.

Friday, December 18 – Sunderland Park Lane, Roker, Whitburn, East Boldon, West Boldon, Hebburn, Lukes Lane, Heworth, Gateshead Interchange and Low Fell.

Saturday, December 19 – route to be confirmed soon – latest updates and information on Go North East’s social media.

Sunday, December 20 – South Shields, Marsden, Westoe, West Harton, Simonside, Jarrow, Chirton, North Shields, Tynemouth, Preston Grange, Wallsend, Byker, Newcastle Quayside, Newcastle and Sage Gateshead.

Monday, December 21 – Concord Bus Station, Donwell, Blackfell, Oxclose, Lambton, Vigo Lane, Harraton, Fatfield, Washington Galleries, Town End Farm, Downhill, Hylton Red House and Witherwack.

Tuesday, December 22 – Newcastle, Coast Road, Battle Hill, New York, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, Earsdon, Shiremoor, Palmersville, Longbenton, Gosforth and Jesmond.

Wednesday, December 23 – route to be confirmed soon – latest updates and information on Go North East’s social media.

Christmas Eve – rather than on an evening, the tour will run during the day visiting Sunderland, Chester-le-Street, Pelton, Ouston, Birtley, Team Valley, Gateshead Interchange and Low Fell.

'We're delighted to spread some festive cheer'

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Go North East said: “We’re delighted to be spreading some festive cheer this Christmas, especially at a time when a lot of events can’t go ahead as they usually would.

“The Santa bus will be touring the region and although we can’t advertise exact times and attract crowds, we’re asking you all to keep your eyes peeled as it passes through your area.”