THE traditional Christmas Eve tour of Newton Aycliffe by Father Christmas could be in doubt this year, unless extra transport can be found.

For more than 30 Christmases, Santa has visited every street in the town, handing out sweets to children.

The tour has become an important part of festive celebrations in the town.

Noble Self Drive, in Darlington, provides the use of seven vans every year, so that the tour can reach every street during the evening.

But this year, the company will only be able to provide four vans.

Great Aycliffe Town Council has a new vehicle which can be used, but that means Father Christmas is still two vans short of the quota needed to complete his rounds.

Marie Robinson, of Great Aycliffe Town Council, said: "What we normally have is seven vans and a spare, just in case anything goes wrong.

"We use the cassette system in the van and fix up speakers to play Christmas music.

"This is a very popular event and it is lovely seeing the kids' faces."

The tour has grown with the town over the years, and there are now seven Santa routes - three in the town centre, plus Aycliffe Village and Byerley Park, Woodham, Bluebell and West Park, and Simpasture.

If there are not enough vans, it means each route has to be lengthened, which could result in some streets not receiving a visit from Father Christmas until late in the evening, after many children have gone to bed.

The council needs clean vans in good condition, which can be borrowed between December 21 and 27, and decorated as sleighs.

Ford 190 Tipper vans with sides are preferred, but all offers will be considered.

All vehicles would be covered by additional fully comprehensive insurance taken out by the council for this event. The vehicles can be collected and taken back if necessary.

The council is also looking for two volunteers to act as navigators on the evening.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Marie Robinson at the council offices in School Aycliffe Lane, or telephone her on (01325) 300700.