FATHER Christmas abandoned his sleigh and reindeer and climbed on a motor- bike when he set off yesterday to visit three children's centres in County Durham.

Santa, accompanied by his elves, stepped on the gas as he made his tour of the SureStart centres at Shotton Colliery, Haswell and Wheatley Hill.

He turned to mechanical horse power, courtesy of the Lanchester Centurions bikers, to get himself around.

Stephen Jacques, on behalf of the Centurions, said: "As bikers, we are used to doing things for communities and charities.

"We've visited the children's ward at the University Hospital with Easter eggs and the reaction from the children makes the whole thing worth while."

James Naisbett, centre co-ordinator at Shotton, said: "This is the time of year that children really enjoy so we thought it would be a good idea to give them something special on behalf of the children's centre.''

Lisa Gray, co-ordinator at Wheatley Hill, said: "This has been a big year for all of us involved in the development of children's centres.

"We wanted to give the families, and especially the children who currently use the centre, a big thank you and what better way than by a visit from Santa.

"I would also like to thank the Centurions for their brilliant support in making this year's Christmas so special.''