THE foot-and-mouth crisis has a new casualty - Santa's team of reindeer.

Rudolph and his pals have been branded a potential disease risk in the region and asked to stay away this year.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the ban on the movement of animals meant no reindeer should be brought from the north to pull Santa's sleigh as part of the Darlington parade.

In previous years, Santa's sleigh has been led by reindeer from Northumberland and the Scottish Highlands and his arrival in the town has marked the start of the festive season.

A spokeswoman for the borough council said: "The parade is the day after the switch-on of the lights and really marks the start of Christmas in Darlington.

"Sadly, because of the restrictions put on the movement of cattle, no animals with hooves shall be moved and we have been advised that, that includes reindeer."

But the lack of reindeer-power will not put the brakes on Father Christmas's trip around Darlington town centre.

Hundreds of children who turn up each year to see the reindeer at close hand will instead be able to see a team of huskies take the lead.

The dogs will be brought into the town to lead the parade and to help get Santa and his helpers through the streets.

Following his journey through the town, Father Christmas will take up his post at the grotto in the Cornmill Centre on Saturday November 10.