A CHRISTMAS crisis has been narrowly averted after Santa sent out an SOS to Darlington College of Technology.

Darlington Bondgate Round Table's annual Father Christmas tour of the town, to raise money for local charities, was threatened after it was discovered that Santa's distinctive red and white suit had gone missing.

So a call went out to fashion and clothing lecturers and students at Darlington College of Technology to see if they could help.

Within a week, they produced a made-to-measure replacement suit in time for Santa's crucial fundraising appearance.

Round Table members tour Darlington each evening for two weeks before Christmas on a decorated float and make an appearance in the town centre on the Saturday before Christmas, where shoppers can make a donation in return for a picture with Santa.

The Round Table raises about £8,000-a-year from the float, so it is a very important part of their fundraising activities.

Mark Bennett, chairman of the Round Table, said: "I'd like to say a big thank you to Darlington College for making the suit in record time.

"It will help us generate cash for our charities and has kept our costs down to an absolute minimum."

Jane Brown, programme leader for the fashion and clothing course at the college, said: "It was a tall order so close to the date, but we were happy to ensure Santa didn't go without his suit.

"Students on this full-time course - which is designed for young people who want to get into the fashion industry - produce some pretty amazing stuff, but it's the most unusual garment we have had to produce so far."

The two-year course is open to those with a minimum of four GCSEs and an interest in fashion and design.