HUGELY popular annual Santa sleigh tours are back – with extended routes.

The sleigh has been a familiar sight for many years on the streets of Keighley and surrounding communities on evenings in the run-up to Christmas – and thousands of pounds have been raised for charity.

Keighley Lions Club stages the initiative, with support from Scout groups across the district.

Club president, Allan Clark, says: "Our Santa sleigh brings joy to so many young people across the town – we are delighted to be bringing the tours back this year. And new, expanded routes mean even more joy can be spread.

"Santa and his elves are raring to go to raise much-needed funds for great local causes. There may be a few extra surprises this time around too.

"As always, we are extremely thankful to the Scouts - and all our sponsors - for making it possible."

Keighley Scouts' district commissioner, Jeanette Young, said the movement was "delighted" to be involved once again.

The tours, which begin on Wednesday, November 29, start at around 6pm and last two hours.

This year people can use a tracker to check where the sleigh will be – further details will be posted at keighleylions.org.uk and on the Keighley Lions Facebook page.

Details of the planned schedule are as follows, but people should note that they could be subject to change:

Wednesday, November 29 – Starting at bottom of Wheathead Crescent and finishing at Westburn Avenue. Including Steadings Way, Hayfields Close, Wheathead Lane, Branshaw Grove, Camborne Way, Ridgeway Mount and Nessfield Road.

Thursday, November 30 – Starting at Moss Carr Road, Long Lee, and finishing at Spring Avenue/Calton Road junction. Including Long Lee Lane, Moss Carr Avenue, Spring Avenue, Dale View Road and Cherry Tree Rise.

Friday, December 1 – Starting at top of Clough Avenue, Steeton, and finishing at Thornhill Road. Including Currer Walk, Hawthorn Road, Halsteads Way, Meadow Drive and Elm View.

Monday, December 4 – top of Oakworth, starting at the Cure Hill roundabout and finishing at Oakworth Manor. Including Farley Crescent, Berrington Way, Bramley Close, Bramley Way, Kelburn Grove, Sunhurst Drive, Moor Drive, Race Moor Lane and Dendrum Close.

Tuesday, December 5 – bottom of Oakworth, starting at the Park Avenue/Victoria Road junction and finishing at Pasture Avenue. Including Victoria Street, Maple Avenue, Woodlands, Heritage Way, Manor Park, Mill Lane and Providence Crescent.

Thursday, December 7 – Starting at bottom of Highfell Rise and finishing at Prospect Mount/Fell Lane. Including Highfell Rise, Prospect Mount & Close, Wheathead Drive, Fell Crescent, Rose Meadows, Westburn Avenue and Westfell Road/Way.

Friday, December 8 – Starting at the Toyota garage, Craven Drive, Silsden, and finishing at the Co-op. Including Aireville Drive, Howden Road, Waterside, Ings Way, Elliott Street, Woodside Road, Gloucester Avenue, Dradishaw Road, Skipton Road, Hothfield Street and Tufton Street.

Monday, December 11 – Starting and finishing at Cullingworth Scout hut, Greenside Lane. Including Greenfield Crescent, Westhill Avenue, Sutton Drive, Cullingworth Road and Hallowes Park Road.

Tuesday, December 12 – Swine Lane estate, East Morton, starting at Roedhelm Road/Swine Lane and finishing at Thorneycroft Road. Including Saxilby Road, New Stead Rise, Paslew Court and Middlefield Court.

Wednesday, December 13 – Starting at the Victoria Road/Gas Street junction, Haworth, and finishing at Main Street/Bridgehouse Lane junction. Including Victoria Road, Brow Road, Prince Street, Ashfield Terrace, Clarendon Street, Main Street, Woodlands Rise, Rosslyn Grove and Cold Street.

Friday, December 15 – Denholme. Route to be confirmed.

Monday, December 18 – Canberra Drive to Frith Street, Cross Roads.

Tuesday, December 19 – Bracken Bank.