Christmas disappointment was averted on the big day, when Santa returned from his night time exploits to deliver an extra load of presents on Monday morning.

Some of Santa's forgetful elves had left Christmas gifts on the Sleigh, so the special Shotley branch moved swiftly into action, ensuring more than 70 youngsters, and a dog, got their missing presents.

Bolstered by volunteers from the Rose Inn, Santa was able to move through the decorated streets of Shotley and down to Shotley Gate, including a new house at Barrelman's Point (formerly HMS Ganges) to ensure joy on Christmas Day.

To make it even better, grateful parents and grandparent chipped in a couple of quid each, which will be donated by the Shotley Rose to local charities.