It isn't every day that you see a reindeer dashing around a shop.

But that's the sight that greeted shoppers in Carlisle as CFM presenter Robbie Dee turned into Robbie the Reindeer.

The breakfast show host stepped into festive costume yesterday as he helped kick-start the city-based station's Mission Christmas campaign.

And he proved himself a seasonal star as he hot-hoofed his way around a B&M Bargains store, collecting toys for the appeal.

All of the toys in his trolley will go to the Cash for Kids charity to ensure thousands of Cumbrian children have presents to open on Christmas morning.

His trolley dash around the store, at St Nicholas Gate, Carlisle, was a winner, with Robbie managing to bag £1,500-worth of goods.

The News & Star is backing Cash For Kids and Mission Christmas in its work.

So too is B&M, as one of the fundraiser's official sponsors for 2017.

Denise Beattie, B&M's acting store manage at St Nicholas Gate, is delighted that staff are doing their bit to help needy youngsters at the most special time of year.

Of the trolley dash, she said: "It was great fun. We all had a really good laugh."

Shoppers looked on and cheered as Robbie made his way up and down the aisles.

"I think Robbie loved it, " Denise added.

"We concentrated on getting items for babies and teenage boys. Normally CFM send out an SOS for certain items half-way through December and these are usually among them, so we thought we'd try to collect as much as possible.

"We always support Cash For Kids whenever we can, but this is the first time we've been an official sponsor."

People across Cumbria are being urged to do their bit.

Cash For Kids is supported by the News & Star Toy Appeal, which has a network of collection points across the north and west of the county.

Along with CFM, it's our mission to ensure more than 7,000 children who might otherwise go without have presents to open on Christmas morning.

It's a goal that we hope you will help us achieve by adding an extra gift to your shopping list this year.

Denise is encouraging others to back the cause and said: "It's a great feeling being able to help people."

News & Star Toy Appeal drop-off points

CARLISLE AREA:

  • Cumbrian Newspapers, Dalston Road
  • Graham's Newsagents, Kingstown Road
  • J Balchin & Son, Central Avenue
  • Julie Vevers, Swan Street, Longtown
  • Morrisons, Kingstown Road
  • Notmans Newsagents, Newlaithes Avenue
  • Stanwix Newsagents, Church Street, Stanwix

WHITEHAVEN

  • The Whitehaven News, Queen Street
  • Morrisons, Flattwalks

WORKINGTON

  • Times & Star office, Groundworks, James Street
  • Morrisons, Derwent Drive