SANTA Claus came to town – to raise money for charity.

The man in red set off from Huddersfield Railway Station to tour the town in a specially-decorated carriage.

But he traded in Rudolph and his friends to be pulled by Shire horses from Holme Valley Heavy Horses, based at Hinchliffe’s Farm.

They were followed by charity collectors raising funds for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

The Christmassy carriage spread the festive spirit through the town before ending at the Galpharm Stadium.

At the stadium presents were handed out to children who would not normally receive gifts, such as those in care and foster homes.

They were donated by businesses in Kirklees.

The carriage was decorated by Lockwood-based firm KD Decoratives.

Richard Kitchen-Dunn, the company’s MD, was playing Father Christmas for the 45th year.