HUNDREDS of youngsters took to the streets dressed as angels and kings as two towns launched their hospice fundraising Christmas celebrations.

More than 600 people joined Bishop Auckland's Christmas procession on Thursday evening and a further 400-plus gathered in Shildon for the switching on of the town's Christmas tree last night.

Organisers said that both parades had attracted their biggest ever crowds.

Santa Claus was able to find a couple of spare days in his diary to attend both events and each parade was brought to a fitting climax with carol singing.

The leader of Shildon Town Council, Councillor Garry Huntington, thanked organisations in the town for their help and support and said that the event was made all the better thanks to an £850 National Lottery grant.

Father Raymond Cuthbertson, from St John's Church, blessed the Christmas tree that has taken pride of place in the town square.

In Bishop Auckland, men and women on stilts, a bagpipe band, vintage cars and a traction engine added to the thrill of the parade.

Students from Stagecoach gave the crowd a preview of their new CD, An Angel Is Coming, and Bishop Auckland drama section sang carols.

Beryl Bell, from the Butterwick Hospice, said: "These are probably our biggest processions yet. The support in both towns has been enormous.

"On behalf of the hospice, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and thank them for all their support.''