A WOODLAND wonderland greeted children and parents visiting Hamsterley Forest.

Adventure beckoned hundreds of youngsters who flocked to see Father Christmas in his forest grotto.

Volunteers from The Butterwick Hospice, in Bishop Auckland, spent two hours on Saturday hiding models and pictures of Father Christmas in the woods, marking out a festive trail.

The task was to find as many of the 40 Santas as possible, before finishing at the grotto, where children could meet Father Christmas and deliver their present orders. Parents paid £3 for each child who wanted to join in.

It is the third year that the Butterwick Hospice has organised the event. All proceeds go towards supporting its work.