Where you can see Santa on a walk around South Shields this Christmas Eve

Santa will be taking a walking tour of South Shields today, Thursday, December 24, from around noon onwards.

The man behind the beard will be Stephen Sullivan, the actor and owner of Ziggy’s bar, who has decided to hit the streets of the town to cheer up youngsters who have missed out on much of the usual celebrations due to the pandemic.

He said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone and lots of families haven’t been able to visit Santa’s grotto this year.

"I’d been making personalised Santa videos and thought, the people of South Tyneside deserve some festive cheer, so I decided we can take Santa Claus to the streets.

"It’ll be so rewarding to see our community smiling on Christmas Eve, bringing some much needed Christmas Magic to the town.

“Starting at South Shields town centre at noon from King Street up Fowler Street, I’ll be ringing a bell.

"I’m hoping and encouraging people to photograph and post on social media where and when they see him using the hashtag #SouthShieldsSanta so people can see where he is at what time.”

Santa’s route will then take in the Town Hall; Westoe Village; Sunderland Road; Harton Moor; Harton Lane; Ashley Road; Talbot Road; Park Way; Boldon Lane and Stanhope Road.

Meanwhile, South Tyneside Santa is visiting Hebburn and will raise funds for Hebburn helps.

For more information visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SouthTynesideSanta/.

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