SANTA has been told to bring his wellies and umbrella when he heads for East Lancashire as they area struggles through a deluge.

And the wet weather is threatening to ruin many of the fund-raising and festive events lined up to put people in the Christmas mood.

Experts say the North West has had three times the average rain fall for the start of December, with 45mm up to today.

Barry Gromett, of the Met Office, said there would be more strong rain tomorrow morning with showers in the afternoon, more showers tomorrow and yet more rain towards the end of next week.

Charity fundraisers are worried their annual fund-raising Father Christmas parade around Blackburn could be set for a soaking.

And because of the dire conditions, their Santa will be clad in a special weather-proof suit.

Andrew Bridge, of Blackburn Round Table, which is organising the sleigh run, said the recent high winds could cause more problems.

He said: "We are definitely fearing a wet Christmas - we have all got our waterproofs ready, put it that way.

"One or two times we have had a bit of rain, but this year we are absolutely fearful we will get wet right through.

"We are normally prepared for most things, but rain is just the worst thing that can happen to you when you are collecting money because people stay inside.

"Santa's got quite a good weather-proof suit. My friend works for a company that makes clothes for the army and we had a suit made.

"So whoever gets the job of Santa will end up more watertight than everyone else.

"But we are very concerned, particularly with the winds we have been having.

"The sleigh is mounted to a trailer, and the last thing we want is for Santa Claus to fall off his sleigh."

The first sleigh pull takes place on Wednesday in the Brownhill area, and they will continue every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until December 30.

Thousands of people got drenched at Whalley's annual Pickwick Night on Thursday and organisers were left trying to dispose of dozens of sausages, blackpuddings and servings of mulled wine as the rain put people off eating and drinking outside.

Weekend football matches on council-owned pitches at Pleasington and Pleckgate have had to be cancelled because of waterlogging.

And Burnley FC's FA Youth Cup clash with Arsenal - scheduled for Saturday - has been postponed because Accrington Stanley's Fraser Eagle Stadium, where it was due to take place, is waterlogged.

People attending Carols in the Park, held in Victoria Park, Nelson, on Sunday afternoon, are being advised to take their rain coats and umbrellas in case the heavens open.

Ian Rowlands, of the Environment Agency, said the water levels in the River Ribble and River Darwen had risen overnight on Thursday due to heavy rain, but flood warnings have not yet been triggered.

He added: "The rivers are currently at a safe level but we will continue to closely monitor the situation."

Highways chiefs say special measures to alleviate flooding on roads are ready to spring into action, but drainage systems are coping at the moment.

Traders said shoppers seem to be staying away because of the uninviting weather.

Blackburn chamber of trade chairman David Cottam said: "It doesn't help.

"It's inevitable that because of the rain, people will say they won't go out. There's bound to be a bit of a down-turn for us."

But East Lancashire TV and radio weatherman John Kettley has not given up hope of a white Christmas.

He added: "The rain doesn't add to the festive atmosphere, but there's every hope that the weather will turn cold and bright."