Santa's reindeer are bringing the Christmas cheer

SANTA and his loyal reindeer are bringing festive cheer to Stockton town centre as part of the Stockton Sparkles celebration.

At 2pm on Sunday, December 9, Santa, his reindeer and elves will take part in the annual Reindeer Parade complete with a flurry of beautiful costumes.

Hundreds of drummers and dancers will take to the High Street, and onlookers can meet the reindeer as they rest outside the Town Hall.

Apollo Street Band, Rhythm Train, Christmas stilt walkers and roller skating characters will also be there to spread festive joy.

The procession will set off from Church Road, passing through the High Street and ending at the south side of the Shambles for a singalong.

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: "Stockton Sparkles is the highlight of our winter events calendar and the Reindeer Parade is guaranteed to entertain the children and get you in the Christmas spirit.

"The Cairngorm Reindeer are trained to take part in Christmas appearances. The small herd have had the most specialised handling since they were five-month-old calves and work alongside experienced handlers who always put the animal's welfare first.

"It's a brilliant opportunity to see Stockton High Street in all its festive glory and I hope visitors will stay to do some Christmas shopping. It's not every day we have reindeer in the town!"