Timings for when the Go North East Santa bus will visit South Shields, Marsden and Westoe today

Go North East’s magical open-top Santa bus which will be touring the region right up until Christmas Eve.

The bus has been decorated with Christmas lighting courtesy of Parkside Community Centre, and of course features Santa too.

The tour will not be stopping but will be moving slowly enough for youngsters to get a wave from Saint Nick.

The company is also encouraging people to share their photos on social media using #GNESantaBus and will soon be launching a competition.

Now the firm has confirmed timings for the remainder of the tour.

The bus will be visiting South Tyneside on Sunday, December 20, before crossing the river to head for Newcastle.

It will be visiting South Shields at 3.45pm, then heading for Marsden (4.10pm), Westoe (4.30pm), West Harton (4.35pm), Simonside (4.45pm), Chirton (5.10pm), North Shields (5.20pm), Tynemouth (5.30pm), Preston Grange (5.50pm), Wallsend (6.15pm), Byker (6.30pm), Newcastle Quayside, Newcastle (6.40pm) and Sage Gateshead (6.55pm) – view route map.

On Monday 21 December the Santa Bus will visit Washington – visiting Concord Bus Station (3.45pm), Blackfell (4pm), Oxclose, Lambton (4.15pm), Vigo Lane, Harraton (4.30pm), Fatfield, Washington Park Way (4.45pm), Barmston (4.55pm), Town End Farm (5.10pm), Downhill (5.20pm), Hylton Red House and Witherwack (5.35pm) – view 21 December route map.

The schedule is subject to change – follow Go North East’s Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest updates. Please follow social distancing guidelines when you are out waiting for the Santa bus, and please do not travel to see it.

Go North East’s managing director Martijn Gilbert, said: “We’re delighted to be spreading some festive cheer this Christmas, especially at a time when a lot of events can’t go ahead as they usually would.

“The Santa bus will be touring as much as the region as possible, so keep your eyes peeled as it passes through your area.”

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