FATHER Christmas needs help from residents to track down his reindeers on a new trail launched just in time for Christmas.

The trail to find his reindeers will start this Saturday, November 30 at Spinning Gate Shopping Centre.

Children who complete the trail on the day can get a free gingerbread reindeer. All you need is a selfie of you and one of the reindeers and to revisit the market to show proof.

And the council has also revealed its very own Santa’s little helper in a new Christmas video to launch the trail - Hendrix the springer spaniel who has always dreamed of being a reindeer.

He can also found by along the trail.

Residents are also in for a festive day of fun on Saturday, December 14 in Leigh town centre with live street performances, entertainment and acts along Bradshawgate.

Alison Mckenzie-Folan, chief executive of the council, said: “We wanted to create a magical Christmas for the borough with spectacular events that bring the family together.

“We’re already in the festive spirit as we’ve had fantastic lights switch-on events and reindeer parades in Wigan and Leigh, plus there’s been packed programme of local events across the borough.

“This year we wanted to extend the fun and do something special which encourages people to visit the town centres. We hope everyone gets in the Christmas spirit and gets involved.”

To help get into the seasonal spirit and make a head-start on Christmas shopping, all council car parks are free after 3pm on weekdays. And all council car parks are still free at weekends.

Reindeer trail maps can be downloaded from the council website or collected from a number of locations in Wigan and Leigh town centres.

Visit wigan.gov.uk/christmas for details.