SANTA swapped his sleigh for more up-to-date transport to make an entrance at a garden centre.
The festive figure zoomed into Dobbie's Garden World, in Birtley, astride a Harley-Davidson motorbike on Saturday.
He greeted local schoolchildren before taking up residence in his grotto.
Paul Travis-Anderson, manager of the garden centre, said: "We are really grateful to Just Harleys of Newcastle for providing transport for Santa this year.
"In fact, we will be holding a raffle to win a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and will be donating all proceeds to the charity of Just Harleys' choice as a thank you.
"Santa told us he had always wanted to arrive on a two-wheeled mean machine - the reindeer are quick but the Harley-Davidson has a lot more horse power."
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