FATHER Christmas will be abandoning his reindeer and sleigh at a village festival next month.

Instead, he is due to arrive on horseback when he attends the Christmas festival at St Michael's Church, Heighington.

Santa's dashing arrival on the village green is expected at about 10.30am on Saturday, December 7. He will then give out presents to village children.

Organisers of the three-day festival, which runs from next Thursday to Sunday, are confident that this year's event will be the best yet.

Co-ordinator Val Curry said: "Our theme this year is the 12 days of Christmas and all the groups in the parish, from the toddlers to the over-60s, are involved."

Further information and tickets for various events can be obtained by telephoning (01325) 312124.