SANTA and his reindeer are on their way to Darlington’s Cornmill shopping centre for a festive event on November 30.

The centre will host its annual reindeer parade beginning at 11am at Tubwell Row where Santa will start his journey through the town centre, heading along Blackwell Gate, then High Row and back down Tubwell Row.

A herd of real Cairngorm reindeer will pull the sleigh and the parade will be led by the Cockerton Prize Silver Band who will entertain the crowds with some festive tunes.

After the parade, Santa will be at the Cornmill to meet children, joined by two elves with a Good or Bad-O-Meter to check whether children and parents alike are on Santa’s list.

Susan Young, centre manager at the Cornmill, said: “The reindeer parade has become a well-established tradition that marks the countdown to Christmas for the people of Darlington and surrounding areas.

“There really is something for all of the family with children getting the chance to personally deliver their Christmas letters to Santa and see some real reindeer, while parents get to enjoy the magical sounds of the Cockerton Band.

“The reindeer parade provides the perfect festive setting for visitors to get their Christmas shopping underway.

“We have a wide array of leading high street stores and independent retailers providing gift ideas for all of the family.”

Following the parade youngsters can deliver their letters to Santa in his giant present grotto, near the centre’s lower atrium from around 11.30am.

The Cornmill Shopping Centre’s late night Thursday Christmas opening starts on Thursday, November 27 and stores will be open until 8pm.

Parking is free after 4pm on late night Thursdays.