SANTA Claus has presented £3,000 to Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland.

He visited Shafto's Inn and Restaurant at Whitworth Hall Country Park, near Spennymoor, to hand over a cheque.

Over the past four years, the pub has worked with the hospice to set up events, including an annual scary walk for Halloween and an Easter treasure hunt.

The latest venture was a Christmas treasure trail last weekend.

Sylvia Stoneham, fundraiser for the hospice, said: "We have raised over £3,000 from these events, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of Shafto's Inn and Whitworth Hall Country Park, the Millennium Volunteers for giving up their precious time, and the families who attend our events."