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A popular fixture in the Huddersfield Christmas calendar - the annual reindeer parades at Lindley and Shelley - have been cancelled.

Hundreds of children and adults enjoy the event which has a long tradition and last year was organised by Wyevale Garden Centres.

The events in the two villages have always drawn large crowds and local councillors said the decision is bound to be a major disappointment to hundreds of families.

Clr Gemma Wilson, a mother of three, from Edgerton, said: “I’m sure a lot of local families will really miss the Lindley Reindeer Parade.

“I know my two young boys and my daughter and I will definitely miss it.

“It’s always been a really busy and popular event and I’m disappointed that Wyevale are not continuing with this ‘countdown to Christmas’.

“Fortunately the Wyevale grotto will still be open which is always very good so rest assured that Father Christmas will still be coming to Lindley.”

Clr Cahal Burke, Liberal Democrat for Lindley, added: "I am disappointed that the Reindeer Parade has been cancelled, it has been a very popular event for a number of years.

"It would have been appreciated if they made public their decision sooner so that Lindley Community Group and local businesses could have had the opportunity to put something in place. Unfortunately at this late stage it is unlikely we can get organise the parade.

"However we are all looking forward to our Christmas Evening on Tuesday 4th December, 6pm - 8pm."

Last year there was a row over the parade with a major animal rights group Animal Aid claiming it was cruel and should be scrapped.

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A spokesman for Wyevale, which centres in Birchencliffe and Shelley, said: “We’ve checked in with the centres in question and they won’t be running parades this year.

“The main reason for this is that they’ve decided to really push Christmas Grottos, as they’re always so popular (they were only in 10 centres last year, now 95.) Centres nationwide will be focussing on making their opening days fantastic, with lots going on for all the family; for Birchencliffe specifically, this will include a local band, face painting and balloon modelling – which should be lots of fun.”