YOUNGSTERS took to the street in force to mar the start of the Christmas season.

Children from across the Northallerton area took part in the first “Elf Run” to be held as part of the town’s Santa Sunday celebrations.

The event, supported by local motor company Vasstech, was started by local sporting star Laurence Whiteley, a Paralympian who won a gold medal as a rower at this year’s event in Rio.

Following on from the Elf Run there were various performers on the stage as well as puppets, the Encore School of Dance and the Rock Choir. Northallerton Silver Band kept up the musical theme, playing in the town hall.

Santa arrived on a double-decker bus provided by local department store Barkers accompanied by a torchlit procession fireworks.

Santa Sunday chairman Cllr Ken Archer thanked all those who contributed to the event.