AN open-top Santa bus is making a welcome return.

After its success last year, Go North East is bringing back its popular tour to spread Christmas cheer.

The tour will run from December 15 to December 23.

The bus, which has been decorated with Christmas lighting donated by Parkside Community Centre, will feature Santa and his elves. It will not stop at any locations but will be moving slow enough to take photos and videos.

This year, a Santa tracker will also be available via the Go North East app.

Go North East Santa bus tour – locations, timetables and maps

Sunday, December 19 – Newcastle, Denton Burn, Swalwell, Winlaton Mill, Rowlands Gill, High Spen, Blackhall Mill, Chopwell, Blaydon, Ryton, Crawcrook, Prudhoe, Stocksfield, Riding Mill, Corbridge, Hexham, Castleside, Derwentside College, Dipton, Flint Hill, Burnopfield, Sunniside, Team Valley, Kibblesworth, Ouston and Perkinsville

Prudhoe Front Street 15:45

Branch End Garage 15:51

Stocksfield Station 15:53

Riding Mill The Wellington 15:58

Corbridge Station Road 16:04

Corbridge Hill Street 16:15

Hexham Bus Station 'Stand B' 16:30

“We’re delighted to be spreading some festive cheer again this year", said Go North East's commercial director Stephen King.

“We were blown away by how popular the Santa bus open-top tour was last year, and we can’t wait to get started again, seeing all those smiling faces as we pass through the region’s villages, towns and cities.”

The schedule is subject to change – follow Go North East’s Facebook and Twitter pages and the dedicated Go North East Santa Bus Facebook for the latest updates.

With the help of local youth organisations, Tynedale Lions' Santa will also be touring the district.

Santa will visit towns and villages to raise money for good causes from 6pm.

December 6: Haydon Bridge 

December 7: Slaley and Riding Mill

December 9: Fourstones and Newbrough

December 10: Wall and Humshaugh

December 11: Stocksfield

December 12: Acomb

December 14-16: Hexham

December 17: Corbridge

December 18: Stocksfield

December 19,21,22 and 24: Corbridge