SPEEDING motorists have forced the cancellation of a Christmas show for children in a village on the outskirts of Darlington.

The annual carol singing around Neasham, with Father Christmas on his sleigh, has been abandoned because of a series of near misses. Members of Neasham Parish Council were told this week that the sleigh attracted many young children.

Last year, organisers tried to flag down four vehicles which were speeding, despite the fact that a flashing beacon on the back of the sleigh could be seen from half a mile away.

Acting Sergeant Steve Ball, police community officer for Neasham, told councillors that officers might be able to help in the future by wearing bright yellow jackets