FATHER CHRISTMAS will be going down a mine as a museum prepares to welcome families to two fun weekends.

The first is on Saturday, from 10.30am to 4pm, at the The North of England Lead Mining Centre, in Killhope, Weardale.

Santa will be in his underground grotto to welcome children and distribute gifts.

There will also be face-painting and sleigh rides for younger children, and Christmas craft workshops on making cards, crackers and tree decorations. Admission is free, but visits to Santa cost £4 and workshops and entry for adults to the mine is £1. The event will be repeated the following weekend.