VICTORY for people power has been claimed by campaigners who fought against proposed changes to a popular Christmas event.

A report to an events committee in Newton Aycliffe has recommended the threatened Santa Tours will go ahead with up to four more vehicles.

The event, on Christmas Eve, was set to be changed amid concerns it was illegal and insurance would be void in the event of an accident.

However, Chief Constable of Durham Police, Mike Barton, used his discretion to confirm Great Aycliffe Town Council would not face prosecution over the event if Santa travelled at walking pace on the back of the sleigh.

Russ Gibson, a father-of-three from Newton Aycliffe, supported a Facebook campaign to “save” the Santa Tours which has attracted more than 5,000 followers.

Last night he told The Northern Echo: “There are so many memories, emotions and history - generation after generation - tied up in the Santa Tours. It’s a massive public victory.”

The suggestion of a change to the event’s current form sparked a public outcry earlier this month when dozens packed out the public gallery at a meeting of the council’s recreation committee.

It emerged a police officer had told the authority last year that it was illegal for Santa to travel on the back of a moving vehicle. This prompted the council to look into alternative arrangements as it understood drivers could be prosecuted and the authority’s insurer could be “null and void” in the event of an accident.

But thanks to the intervention of Durham Police, the council’s insurer has been satisfied and councillors have been recommended to give the green light to the event taking place as normal.

When the events sub-committee meet on Monday, they have also been recommended to approve council officers’ actions to increase the numbers of vehicles carrying Santa from eight to up to 12.

This is due to the reduced speed of vehicles and the high demand for Santas to stop off on the routes. Extra equipment has been ordered to dress any new sleighs while more Santa suits and accessories have been ordered for volunteer Santas. Committee members will also be asked to agree the added costs.

Mr Gibson added: “It looks like they have listened to the people and are going ahead. We’re elated. It is exactly what we were looking for and there was no need to change anything that was in place.”