A FESTIVE gala is to bring a community together with a visit from Father Christmas in a secret vehicle.

Ingleby Barwick's Magic of Christmas Gala looks set to be a fun-filled family event on Saturday.

Organisers, Ingleby Barwick Residents Network (IBRN), are keeping Santa's means of transport a secret, but they say they are confident that this year's event will be just as successful. About 2,000 visitors turned out for the previous event.

Santa will set off from the Robinson's car park on Ingleby Way at 11.40am, to wend his way to All Saints School Community Campus, where Ingleby's two princesses will be waiting to greet them and their helpers.

Children's entertainment, Santa's Grotto, Christmas stalls, tombolas, raffles, and refreshments will all be found inside, while outside Christmas trees and wreaths will be on sale alongside a fun fair.

Last year, the main focus for youngsters was a winding labyrinth leading into Santa's Grotto, which told the story of the meaning of Christmas.

Nick Green, the creator of the labyrinth, said he hopes to make this year's grotto even more special.

"I'm not going to reveal what changes I'm making because then it won't be a surprise," he said.

The gala will be staged at All Saints School Community Campus from 12pm to 4pm. Entrance is 50p for adults and 20p per child.