SANTA'S burliest elves had their work cut out at Asda, Blackburn, when they had to stand in for Rudolf and his friends.

The team pulled Father Christmas's sleigh to the store, where they entertained children and collected cash in aid of the Blackburn Round Table.

But the elves could take a back seat when Thwaites Brewery loaned their horse-drawn dray to bring Father Christmas to the supermarket.

St Aidan's Church choir and the Salvation Army band also took part in the event and teams from the Scouts and the Girls' Friendly Society packed bags for shoppers.

Picture: Alastair Sames (left) and Ashley Bradburn give a reindeer-less Santa a lift to the shop.