TYNEDALE Lions Club’s Santa Sleigh was in danger of running out of pulling power – until a Hexham car dealership stepped in.

This year’s tour was in jeopardy when club members realised they were short on volunteer drivers.

“The club relies on having at least four members with tow bars fitted to their cars to take turns to pull Santa’s sleigh,” said club member, Ian Cave. “But we realised we were in short supply.”

Vice-president Jonathan Hill visited Wylam Garage on Burn Lane for advice on having a tow bar fitted to his own vehicle. But instead of selling him a tow bar, dealer principal Sean Conley, offered to save the day.

“Not only is Sean supplying the vehicle, but he has very generously offered to include the fuel as well,” said Jonathan.

Club president, Peter Hawkins, said: “We can’t thank him enough.”

The sleigh, towed by a Rudolph-coloured Nissan Navara pick up, will take to the road on Sunday beginning at 5.30pm with visits to Wall and Humshaugh.

The tour will continue with Slaley on Monday, Riding Mill on Tuesday, Bellingham on Wednesday and Stocksfield on Thursday and Friday.

Santa will stop off at Acomb on Saturday, December 17, Haydon Bridge next Sunday, December 18, Fourstones and Newbrough on Monday, December 19.

The run ends with five days of touring Corbridge between December 20 and Christmas Eve.

l Hexham Round Table’s Santa Sleigh will tour Hexham next Saturday, December 17, with visits to the West End and Cockshaw, followed by Beaumont Park and Highford Park on Sunday, December 18.

Santa will visit the East End on Tuesday, December 20; Priestlands and Wydon Park on Wednesday, December 21 and Elvaston on Thursday, December 22.