SANTA Claus is coming to town next week for his annual festive tour of Barrow.

The big man will be donning his famous red and white jacket once again this year and returning to Barrow to spread festive cheer to children and the community.

Father Christmas will be driving through Barrow on his sleigh, giving out sweets and other treats as he goes.

He will be there on Saturday December 15, starting at the Nan Tait Centre at 4pm and parading through town giving out sweets and fruit before finishing at the King Alfred on Walney Island at 6.35pm.

The full list of stops and times are as follows:

4pm to 4.30pm at the Nan Tait Centre

4.40pm to 4.50pm at Tesco Extra

5.05pm to 5.15pm at the Ormsgill Shops

5.30pm to 5.40pm at Roose Tesco

5.45pm to 6.05pm at Barrow Community Kitchen

6.15pm to 6.25pm at Barrow Island Maritime Apartments

6.35pm at the King Alfred, Walney Island.

Councillor John Murphy said Father Christmas’ visits bring festive cheer to Barrow and was popular amongst the children.

He explained how Santa Claus would go around the town on a wagon every year during the 1960s and 70s.

Then in 2015, after a long hiatus, Santa helped by Tony Murphy decided to reignite the tradition.

Cllr Murphy said: “For Tony, it is a matter of bringing the community of Barrow town together over the festive period.

“On the day, Santa will be travelling across town and handing out sweets and other treats to the children of Barrow.

“It’s about handing out some Christmas cheer for everyone to enjoy.”

Santa’s helper Tony said: “I always enjoy the event, it’s a really nice day for the children in Barrow.

“They get the chance to see Father Christmas and receive a nice present in the run up to the big day.

“It’s great for me to be able to bring back a little bit of Christmas cheer to everyone in Barrow.

“It’s always a great event, it brings everyone together and gives people a real sense of community spirit.

“We’d love as many people as possible to come down and get involved on the day.

“The more the merrier.”

Tony is appealing for donations of sweets, fruit and other treats to be handed out on the day.

He said “The more sweets anyone is willing to give the better, they all go to the kids so the more we receive the more we can give out.”

Tony is happy to arrange collection of donations from anyone willing to give.

Those wanting to contribute should contact him on 07446898258.