SANTA Claus is coming to towns and villages around East Lancashire — thanks to Rotarians in Padiham.

Father Christmas and his sleigh will be touring the streets of Read tonight setting off from The Stork Hotel car park at 6pm.

And then tomorrow he will turn in the opposite direction and visit households in nearby Simonstone.

Each night a team comprised of his little helpers will be looking to raise funds for a range of Rotary-supported charities around the area.

This Thursday, the festive procession descend on the south of Padiham, beginning at Stockbridge Road.

And next week the yuletide fiesta moves on to Ightenhill, Lakeland Way, Hapton, Padiham’s Tesco store and Lowerhouse.

And the final outing has been pencilled in for Habergham and Padiham East, from Whitegate Garage on Cowley Crescent, on Monday, December 16. Rotarians began their jaunt at the Padiham lights switch-on on Friday, before moving to the Arbories Drive area.

The Santa Claus and sleigh are also popular features of the Burnley town centre Christmas lights switch-on festivities.

Last year the Christmas collection raised more than £3,350 for local good causes and this year organisers are hopeful they can exceed that total.