festivities got off to a flying start in Stockton yesterday with the arrival of Father Christmas with debut band Macx and the Wildcats playing to the crowds.
Stars from the pantomime Cinderella, at Billingham Forum, led the procession down the High Street in the coach used in the film, The Slipper and the Rose.
Then, to gasps from the children in the crowd, Father Christmas made his way to the stage outside the town hall.
l In Redcar, Cleveland Police horses went undercover as reindeer last night to lead the Christmas parade for the switching-on of the lights in the High Street.
Father Christmas, and Middlesbrough Football Club mascot Roary the Lion, rode in an American-style pick-up to the stage in the town centre.
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