The round table group has announced when they will be touring the borough with their annual Santa sleigh.

Blackburn Round Table will start their annual Christmas fundraiser on Tuesday, December 7 at 6.30pm in Fenniscowles, and will tour Blackburn and Darwen in the build up to Christmas.

This year the group will reveal a brand new sleigh which has been built by the members over the last few months after the old one was in need of repair.

Chairman John Cowell said: “We inherited the previous sleigh from another Round Table several years ago and it was quite old back then.

"After last year’s outings we noticed the wood was rotting.

"Due to its age and the fact that the trailer it is built on is heavy to tow, along with the non standard wheels and tyres, the decision was made to replace it with a modern lightweight trailer.

"We launched a successful campaign on Just Giving to help fund the cost of purchasing the trailer and the materials to build it.

"We would like to thank all those who contributed to it.”

The sleigh will operate in a similar way to last year due to the ongoing pandemic and will not be stopping on the routes but will instead move slowly and play music – families are asked to keep their ear out so they can come outside to see Santa drive past.

Santa will remain in the sleigh throughout and will not be stopping for any individuals or groups.

The group have asked that people do not approach the sleigh as it will remain moving.

If you would like to donate, there will be collectors with buckets or you can donate via a text message.

Text “RTSANTA” along with the amount you would like to donate to 70085. For example, Text “RTSANTA 5” to 70085 to donate £5.

Here is a full list of this year’s schedule:

Tuesday, December 7 at 6.30pm – Fenniscowles

Wednesday, December 8 at 6.30pm – Lower Darwen

Thursday, December 9 at 6.30pm – Langho

Saturday, December 11 at 3.30pm – Beechwood

Sunday, December 12 at 2pm – Fernhurst

Sunday, December 12 at 6pm – Oakdale

Tuesday, December 14 at 6.30pm – Brownhill

Wednesday, December 15 at 6.30pm – Pleckgate

Thursday, December 16 at 6.30pm – Lammack

Saturday, December 18 from 2pm – Greenhills, Mill Hill, Infirmary, Shadsworth, Knuzden Brook, Intack, Whitebirk

Sunday, December 19 from 2pm – Darwen

The Round Table has said that routes can be subject to change