SANTA will be riding round Cockermouth and various villages on his new sleigh this weekend, spreading Christmas cheer.

Cockermouth Round Table has asked Father Christmas if could put in an early appearance and hand out hundreds of presents. To win him over they have had a new sleigh built.

Santa and his little helpers will be heading around Cockermouth this evening, tomorrow and Sunday evening. They will also visit Brigham, Broughton Cross, Eaglesfield and Broughton.

The annual sleigh trip has been expanded this year, to include some villages.

Chris Woolhouse, of the Round Table, said: "For us it's seeing all the smiling, excited faces, they all sit there waiting for us to come round. It's quite special.

"We have previously borrowed a sleigh but this year we had our own made and have expanded our route to give children in the surrounding villages a change to see Santa in his sleigh.

"It's great and looks impressive."

The group organises various fundraising events throughout the year, to pay for Santa's visit and a summer trip for pensioners.

"The main fundraiser was our recent beer festival, we also sell mince pies and mulled wine at the Christmas lights switch on," said Chris.

You can follow Santa and his sleigh, and see when he's due near you, by going on Cockermouth Round Table's Facebook page.