SANTA took a break from preparing for the big day to bring some festive cheer to a shop’s window display this weekend.

Sitting in his sleigh surrounded by presents, Santa spent an afternoon in Darlington’s Retro Replay shop waving at passers-by and those waiting at a bus stop nearby.

It is the second year in a row that Santa had visited the Northgate shop, after being asked by shop owner Denise Cornforth and her husband, Charlie.

The couple have collected presents, with help from members of the public and community groups, including the Freemasons of Northallerton, which will be given to youngsters spending Christmas at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Mrs Cornforth said: “It is all about the kids really. We have got grandchildren of our own and it is really sad to think that some are spending Christmas in hospital. We just wanted to do something to help.

“It is amazing how many workmen wave at Santa, and it is really funny to see people’s reactions.

“Last year there was a little kid who said ‘oh, there’s Santa’. It is really nice to see.”