A TEAM of four huskies helped Santa kick off his festive stint in Darlington after foot-and-mouth disease grounded his traditional reindeer escort.

In previous years, Father Christmas has been led round the town centre by reindeer drafted in from Northumberland and the Scottish Highlands.

But the risk of spreading the disease meant Rudolph, Blitzen and Co had to stay home while the dogs pulled the sleigh before hundreds of shoppers who had crowded the streets to watch.

After his journey, Santa took up residence in his grotto in the Cornmill Shopping Centre, where he will be on a daily basis until Christmas arrives