FATHER Christmas swapped his reindeer and sleigh for an inshore rescue boat yesterday afternoon.
Crew members from Redcar Lifeboat Station pulled Father Christmas and Mayor Norah Cooney in the lifeboat on its launching carriage.
The journey started at the Claxton Hotel and ended at Redcar Clock.
Dave Cammish, from Redcar lifeboat station, said: "The lads decided to dress in their lifeboat gear, rather than as reindeer, in case of the unlikely situation where they were called out to sea on a job."
He said that until about 1987, Father Christmas was brought ashore on the Sir James Knott offshore lifeboat, which is now one of the exhibits at the Kirkleatham museum, in Redcar.
Councillor Cooney switched on the Christmas lights at dusk, the Beatlemanics performed on a stage in High Street for the second year running and there was a brass band and carol singing.
Santa will be in his grotto from today, with opening times every weekday between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, Saturdays between 10.30am and 3.30pm and Sundays between 1pm and 3pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article