FATHER Christmas himself came to town on Saturday to spread some festive cheer.

He visited as part of a fun day at the Viewley Hill Shopping Centre and Hemlington Library in Hemlington, near Middlesbrough.

There was also magic displays, music and stalls as the library combined with Hemlington’s Christmas Food and Craft market in the former Co-op building.

The event was opened by the town crier and Star Wars characters, including R2D2, were beamed into the shopping centre to entertain the youngsters. The Grand Tombola will raised funds for the Invicta Foundation in memory of local soldier Corporal Andrew Roberts who was killed in Afghanistan.

Local resident Gill Baines said: “This was a real community event organised by Hemlington residents, with community groups contributing to the stalls and local traders organising the market.”

The event was organised by local residents, Hemlington Neighbourhood Manager and local councillors, with support from Hemlington Community Council.