Rudolf, Prancer and the rest of Santa's reindeer are to return to Bradford after the foot and mouth crisis kept them away last Christmas.

The reindeer have been part of the Kirkgate Centre's Yuletide parade for the last six years but last year's outbreak meant the cloven hoofed creatures were grounded at their Scottish Highlands home for Christmas 2001.

In a burst of pre-seasonal goodwill, Government vets have given the reindeers from the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre special permission to roam shopping centres and parades around the UK pulling Santa's sleigh.

The antlered animals, which are prone to foot and mouth, have been given a permit that allows them to travel as long as their owners stick to strict conditions - the reindeer must not come in contact with other farm animals and have to travel in disinfected lorries unused by other livestock.

The reindeer are on the road from next Thursday until the weekend before Christmas and people in Bradford will get a chance to see the reindeer on Sunday, November 17, when ten of the 150-strong herd will pull Santa's sleigh into the city centre as part of a parade.

Kirkgate Centre manager Catherine Riley said: "We missed the reindeer last year and are so excited that they are coming back - they really add to the magic of Christmas.

"As soon as we heard the country was clear of foot and mouth we put our booking in early so we wouldn't be disappointed. We hope lots of people will turn out on the day to welcome the reindeer back.''

Tilly Smith, of the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, said the foot and mouth outbreak had devastated her business over November and December and that they had lost some £100,000.

She added: "We're very grateful to organisations, such as the Kirkgate Centre, for their continued support and commitment and are looking forward to coming to Bradford."

The Kirkgate Centre is also running a colouring competition for one lucky boy and girl to win the chance to ride with the reindeer in the parade and have tea with the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman.

Competition details are being sent to all children who posted letters to Santa at the Kirkgate's special postbox last year - details can also be picked up from the Centre's information point.