SANTA Claus is touring the streets and villages of York courtesy of Rotary York Ainsty members and their sleigh.

The team started their York and district journeys with Santa on December 1 and since then has been out and about at numerous village and city locations.

As well as providing all an opportunity to meet Santa, the initiative is a fundraiser and every year many thousands of pounds are collected and donated to charity.

Last year, close to £7,000 was generated by the project.

Following the success of 2017, certain locations and collections are dedicated to and run by specific local charities in partnership with Rotary York Ainsty. They are: York Mind, Wilberforce Trust, St Leonard's Hospice, Copmanthorpe Scouts, Manor Academy Secondary School, Poppleton, Door 84 Youth, Community Sparks and Vale of York Academy

Issy Sanderson, Rotary York Ainsty president, said: “I truly believe that the 2018 collection will exceed that of recent years, demonstrating the generosity of the communities in which we operate. Please come out and meet Santa and the Elves as they travel the streets. We are always gladdened by the welcome we receive - not only from children, but also from adults as well."

Forthcoming tour dates are:

Monday, December 10: Woodthorpe - Grassholme / Ryecroft / Moorcroft

Wednesday, December 12: Nether Poppleton

Friday, December 14: Bishopthorpe - Keeble Park / Acaster Lane

Saturday, December 15: Acomb Front Street (all day)

Saturday, December 15: Copmanthorpe - Hallcroft Road / Merchant Way

Monday, December 17: Copmanthorpe - Bartons Cross / Wilstrop Farm

Tuesday, December 18: Upper Poppleton

Wednesday, December 19: Middlethorpe - Dringhouses

Thursday, December 20: Poppleton Park

Friday, December 21: Tesco, Askham Bar (all day)

Saturday, December 22: Tesco, Askham Bar (all day)