Santa will be making his usual trip to the Tyne Valley this Christmas – even in the midst of a pandemic.

Registered charity the Tynedale Lions has orchestrated Santa’s tour of the district’s towns and villages for over 30 years. This year, children and their families will be encouraged to wave at Father Christmas from a distance. But they won’t be able to come close to St Nicholas as they usually would. However, the Lions said the conditions of the tour could change if lockdown restrictions are eased on December 2.

Although he won’t stop, Santa will drive slowly along streets of Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Wall, Humshaugh, Fourstones, Newbrough, Acomb, Slaley, Riding Mill, Corbridge, Stocksfield and Mickley, between Dec 11 and Dec 20. Updates will be provided. There will be no collection tins this year in aid of the Lions. Instead, a fundraising page is now live via https://www.facebook.com/tynedalelionsclub