A FESTIVE favourite has returned to the streets of East Lancashire thanks to Rotarians.

Children and parents will be on the lookout for Santa Claus courtesy of the Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club up to the Christmas weekend.

Father Christmas has already taken a bow around parts of Church and Accrington this week.

And tonight, from 5.30pm, he will be touring the Knuzden estate with his yuletide helpers.

A Rotary spokesman said: "Members and friends of the Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary will assist Santa in bringing a real festive atmosphere to the town, as they have done for the past 30 years.

"The sleigh has been refurbished and looks very smart in its new livery and illuminated signs."

Dawn Taylor, club president, added: "Ken Freeman, has done a magnificent job in improving the appearance of the sleigh, and for being chief organiser.

"Also it is pleasing that during the next three weeks all club Rotarians and Friends will be turning out in force.

"In addition we are being helped in a big way as many companies and organisations are providing volunteers to work with Rotarians as collectors as Santa tours the streets of Church and Oswaldtwistle.”

Mr Freeman said “ Taking Santa and the sleigh around the district truly shows the real face of Rotary and thanks to the public the monies raised, usually in excess of £3,000, is our largest contributor to our annual fundraising amount, all of which goes to local and national charities and good causes.”

Tomorrow the sleigh will head to Moscow Mill Street, Apple Tree Way and the Haworth Street areas of Oswaldtwistle, again from 5.30pm.

Seven more rides out are planned across the area up to December 22, with static collections planned at Tesco on December 19 and 21 and Asda on December 20 and 22. The routes can be checked on the Rotary Club's website.