SANTA’S sleigh is back and all set for its annual tour of the streets of Halesowen and Rowley Regis bringing festive cheer to hundreds of youngsters.

The familiar jingle of festive bells is back thanks to local Rotarians.

Members of The Rotary Club of Halesowen and Rowley Regis and volunteers will be taking their sleigh out and about throughout December as children gear up for some pre-Christmas excitement – all in the name of fundraising.

Steve Jones, President of Halesowen & Rowley Regis Rotary Club, said: "We all understand the financial pressures everyone faces this year but local people have always been very generous with any spare change they may have to donate to us.

"As always we use this money to support local children's charities and other local deserving causes.

"We've even got a card reader for those who don't use cash anymore with no minimum amount - all donations are gratefully received."

The sleigh will be at Tesco in Cradley Heath on Fridays from 4pm till 8pm - the dates will be Friday December 2; Friday December 9 and Friday December 16. It will be at B&Q on Mucklow Hill on Saturdays from 10.30am until 2.30pm and Sundays from 11am till 3pm - the dates will be this weekend (December 3 and 4); then December 10 and 11; and December 17 and 18.

The local routes are as follows (all between 6pm and 8pm). . .

Wednesday November 30: Lodgefield Road Estate, Halesowen.

Tuesday December 6: Buckingham Road, Rowley Regis.

Wednesday December 7: Squirrels Estate, Halesowen.

Tuesday December 13: Timbertree Road, Cradley Heath.

Wednesday December 14: Whittingham Road, Halesowen. Monday December 19: Dunstall Road, Halesowen.

All dates and times are subject to late changes or cancellation due to weather and/or volunteers health issues.