Santa and his sleigh will be touring the streets of Canterbury and the villages this month as an annual initiative returns.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Canterbury, Santa Sleigh launched earlier this month and will finish on Tuesday, December 22.

The float, which is supporting Canterbury Food Bank and Canterbury Samaritans, will next appear on Monday, December 14 in Sturry Road.

Organiser Berin Riley, president of the Rotary Club of Canterbury, said: "It's extremely popular as you might imagine, with crowds of kids waiting by the roadside in anticipation.

"We cover most residential areas in Canterbury and there's a great community feeling.

"Apart from all the excitement for the kids of seeing Santa on his bright, noisy sleigh, parents realise there is an opportunity to help others less fortunate too."

Once it has appeared in Sturry Road on Monday, December 14, the float will visit the Barton Estate on Tuesday, December 15 and the London Road Estate on the following day.

It will call in at Forty Acres on Thursday, December 17, Thanington on Monday, December 21, before finishing its tour in Bridge on Tuesday, December 22.

The float will appear in all locations at 6pm to 8.30pm.

Mr Riley added: "We collect food items to support Canterbury Food Bank and cash for other charities - this year our chosen charity is Canterbury Samaritans.

"Parents and passers by always give generously and our normal collection for the period is around £5,000 plus food so it is a significant amount."