HERDS of laughing young reindeers have been parading around playgrounds across the region this week.

Festive scenes unfolded at schools as primary pupils donned disguises and transformed themselves into Christmas reindeers in a bid to raise funds for the Butterwick Hospice.

The charity’s annual sponsored reindeer run raises thousands of pounds each year to help its team continue their valuable work supporting those with terminal illnesses and their families.

At Darlington’s Foundation of Abbey Schools, about 600 youngsters joined in with the festive fun at an event organised by the primary’s charity committee, made up of pupils, governors, parents and teachers.

Parent Clare Wheeler, who is on the committee, thanked those who supported the event and said children had been astonished when Santa showed up to say hello on his sleigh.

She added: “It was brilliant and even better that the children helped to organise it themselves.

“They did a cracking job and it was a real team effort that will hopefully make a big difference to the charity.”