Christmas is coming early after a charity launched their annual Santa’s Sleigh event today in Reading.

Mr Clause will be sledding through 18 places in Reading to wish children a Merry Christmas and to raise money for good causes.

He will be handing the funds to the charity Reading Lions Club CIO, who in turn use it to support small charities and community groups who don’t have the ability to fundraise.

Andy Young, of the Reading Lions Club, said: “Last year’s event was a hugely uplifting affair with the kids and the parents having something to look forward to and step out their doors to greet and see father Christmas."

Usually Santa knocks on people's doors, but to keep everyone safer during the pandemic, the charity will organise things differently for the second year in a row.

“This year we’d expected things to be completely different - we will have challenges again - but no doubt there will be many thousands of people in Reading looking forward to a few moments of joy with seeing santa on their doorstep.”

Read more: Reading's Christmas lights turn on as festive food pops up

The Lions will leaflet each street prior to Santa’s appearance, giving families the chance to wave hello and donate if they wish.

Last year the event raised £6,000.

Reading Lions is part of a network of Lions Clubs in 220 different countries which focus on supporting people in need at a community level.

Last year they gave out £11,750 to people and groups for everything from paying for children to visit a zoo to buying someone a wheelchair when they needed it.

Read more: 5 things to do in Reading if you’re already feeling Christmassy

The full list of locations Santa will visit is as follows, starting at 6:30pm each day bar December 18 and 19 which are daytime visits.

Wednesday, December 1 - Stanhope Road, Ennerdale Road, Barnsdale Road, Benson Close, Northcourt Avenue, Stansfield Close.

Thursday, December 2 - Shaw Road, Boston Avenue, St Saviours Road, Trelleck road, Hay Road, Arbour Close, Tintern Crescent, Holybrook Road.

Friday, December 3 Kenilworth Avenue, Firs lane, Winser Drive, Southcote Farm Lane, Cowper Way, Tallis Lane, Barn Close, Monks Way, Southcote Lane from Southcote Farm Lane towards Southcote Beefeater.

Monday, December 6 - Top of Dee Road, Elan CLose, Elvaston Way, Poole close, Savernake Close, Hardwick Road, Riley Road, Atherton Close, Warnford Road, Logan Close, Royston Close, Bourton Close.

Tuesday, December 7 - Manor Park Close, Burlington Road, Holland Road, Portland Gardens, Grafton Road, Lansdown Road, Maiwand Gardens, Heathfield Avenue, Fairway Avenue.

Wednesday, December 8 - Westwood Road, Albert Illsely Close, Beverley Road, Oldean Close, Fircroft Close, Hartslock Way, Causemans Way, Pikeshaw Way, Armour Road, Victoria Road, Crescent Road, Ventnor Road, Lyme Grove.

Thursday, December 9 - Wealdon Way, Staffordshire Close, Holkam Close, Dartington Close, Chelsea Close, Delft Close, Minton close, Tuscan Close, Spode Close, Midwinter Close, Hornsea Close, Hirstwood, Coalport Way, Pottery Road, Denby Way, Portmerion Gardens, Wedgewood Way, Dresden Way.

Friday, December 10 - Oaktree Road, Parkhill Drive, Mapledurham View, Oakham Close, Elstree Close, Chepstow Road, Westwood Row.

Monday, December 13 - All Hallows Road, Marlow Court, Overton Drive, Micklands Road, Copse Avenue, Hawthorne Road, Maytree Walk, Woods Road, Woodlands Green, Orchard Grove.

Tuesday, December 14 - Westdene Crescent, Woodcote Way, Fernbrook Road, Geoffreyson Road, Hilltop Road, Shepherds Lane, Sandcroft Road, Silverthorne Drive, Carlton Road.

Wednesday, December 15 - Highmoor Road, Albert Road, The Mount, Kidmore End Road (in part), Buxton Avenue, Harrogate Road, Matlock Road.

Thursday, December 16 - Marshland Square, Evesham Road, Knights Way, Stuart Close, Grove Road, Surley Row, Cherwell Road, Gravel Hill, Eric Avenue, Gorselands.

Friday, December 17 - Chiltern Road, Tilbury Close, Pembroke Place, Onslow Gardens, Banbury Gardens, Kildare Gardens, Cawsam Gardens, Valentine Crescent, Norman Road, Raglan Gardens, Rossendale Road, Mayfield Drive.

Saturday, December 18, 9am to 5.30pm - Waitrose Store, Oxford Road.

Sunday, December 19, 10am to 5pm - Tesco Store, Portman Road