IT must be one of the miracles of modern times that, with the levels of sophistication of today's youngsters, the magic of Father Christmas is as strong as ever.

There can be few more enduring pictures of Christmas than the wide-eyed amazement of a small child meeting Santa for the first time.

Santa is using his usual special skills in Ryedale this year. Without actually being cloned he manages to get around and do what many of us wish we could achieve - be in more than one place at a time.

He is riding the North York Moors trains in his own transportable grotto four times a day this weekend and next weekend. There will be presents for the children and coffee and mince pies for adults.

Leaving Pickering at 10am, 11.30am, 1.45pm and 3.15pm, the train can be boarded for a return journey at either the Grosmont or Pickering end. The journey takes just over an hour and the cost is £7.50 per person. For more information, ring (01751) 473799.

At the same time, Father Christmas is making a special appearance in Pine Tree Avenue, Rillington. On Saturday, December 15, and Sunday, December 16, he will be in his grotto at Number One at 5.30pm. There's a special tombola, too, with proceeds going to Malton Hospital.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without carols. On the evening of Friday, December 14, there is a chance to join in a carol singalong at the Sun Inn, Normanby. It's in a good cause - St Catherine's Hospice.

On Saturday, December 15, there is a carol concert in Stape village hall starting at 7.30pm. Also on Saturday, at 3pm, there is a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at All Saints' Church, Low Catton. Performing will be the Stamford Bridge School Choir and the Stamford Bridge Singers.

The next day, December 16, a group is going out carol singing at East Heslerton. Meet at the Church Rooms at 6pm for that one.

St Mary's Priory Church, at Old Malton, has the Chanticleer Singers performing on Friday, December 14, and Saturday, December 15. There will be traditional carols and Christmas music.

Tickets are £6, with concessions at £4. You can buy them from JR Leefe, in Market Place, Malton, or from Morlands, in Market Place Pickering. You can get more information by ringing (01653) 698241.

St Mary's Priory Church follows up with a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols the following day, Sunday, starting at 3pm at the church.

Ebberston is holding a rather unusual event for this time of year. It is a festival of flowers at the Methodist Church.

The event is entitled The Glory of Christmas in Flowers and the church will be open between 10.30am and 4pm. Entrance is 50p and goes to the church repair fund.

Updated: 10:46 Thursday, December 13, 2001