IT'S getting ever close...the time when the man in the red suit comes delivering presents.

But, turning up by a narrow boat in 1998 was a sight to behold as Santa handed out sweets and gifts to visiting children at the Weaver's Triangle Visitor Centre.

We have delved into our archives to find photograph from the festive season in 1998.

There was lots of goodwill by the Accrington Lions handing out toys to 47 Hyndburn families at the Blind Society in Accrington.

Another super photograph was the hoards of faces as the full cast of Ashleigh Primary School in Darwen during their nativity production of 'Round the World to Bethlehem'.

Also Matthew Woodhouse, Lucy Treasure and Ben McCallion were three Santas in the Moor End County Primary School in Oswaldtwistle's production of 'Christmas Clothes Show'.

There was also lots of fun and cheer as pupils from St Augustines RC School in Billington served wine to local senior citizens at the annual Christmas party held in the school hall.

As you would also expect there was lots of carols in the air especially at St Hilda's RC School in Burnley during their Carol Service.

Check out the online photographic gallery with lots of images from the same time on our website.