VISITORS to Haworth's famous Main Street did a double take on Friday.

For mingling with the summer-holiday crowds was – Santa Claus.

But St Nick hadn't suddenly gone off his (Christmas) tree.

Behind the familiar red suit and white beard was Andrew Vaux, a co-organiser of this year's Haworth Victorian Weekend, who was out to promote the festive extravaganza.

He and fellow organisers are appealing for donations to fund the event, being held on December 6 and 7.

Over the years the Victorian Weekend has grown into one of the village's most popular annual events, attracting thousands of people.

It includes bands, street entertainment and a wide range of market stalls.

"Whilst it’s wonderful to see more and more people flocking to the village for this event many of them don’t consider the amount of time and financial resources which go into making the weekend the success it is today," said Mr Vaux.

“We’re a small local organisation and don’t have a bottomless pit of finances to continue ploughing into the event.

"We’d be extremely grateful to hear from sponsors who would like to play their part in continuing the festival’s success. In return they will be recognised in all publicity material, as well as having the prestige of being involved in this high-profile and extremely popular event.”

E-mail andrew@arvapr.co.uk or call 07871 264610 for further information and to offer support.

The Victorian Weekend is among a host of events, including Scroggling the Holly and a torchlight procession, held in Haworth in the run-up to Christmas.