SCORES of children will light up city streets as part of a Christmas festival this weekend.

On Saturday, 100 children from three schools in Durham will take part in a lantern procession through the city, starting at 4pm at Millburngate Shopping Centre, which has also provided the lanterns.

The parade then crosses Framwellgate Bridge, up Silver Street, past the Market Place to Saddler Street.

When it reaches the cathedral, the children will be greeted by Santa Claus, who is flying in from Lapland, before taking part in a carol service.

Andy Bradley, director at Millburngate Shopping Centre, said: "This is such a charming tradition, which dates back hundreds of years.

"All the children taking part are really excited and everyone is looking forward to seeing them carry their lit lanterns through the streets."

The schools taking part in the procession are Bluecoats CE, St Margaret's CE and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs RC.

Durham is this year linking up with Rovaniemi in Lapland, considered to be the home of Father Christmas.

Mr Bradley said: "We are delighted to be able to play host to the real Santa and that Rovaniemi has chosen Durham as its only UK link.

"The partnership opens up a whole new world of opportunities for tourism."

An official agreement between the two cities will be signed in Durham Market Place tomorrow at noon.

The Lapland Santa will be available to meet children in Millburngate Shopping Centre on Saturday from 10am to 3pm and will also be collecting shoe boxes for the Operation Christmas Child appeal.