Rocking Rudolph has been knocked out of action in his busiest week of the year.

As the run-up to The Minster Lion's festive fund raising drive reaches its height, the group's mascot has been put off the road after being involved in an accident.

But York firm Top Line Travel has stepped in to help the fundraisers meet their targets with an open top bus to ferry Santa, Lion's mascot Mal and SNAPPY the crocodile, who represents one the this year's chosen charities, across the city.

Rocking Rudolph, a float which features a grooving reindeer and which has been central to York Christmases for 11 years, was in collision with a Volvo car.

The car's occupants were taken to hospital suffering from whiplash, but were released shortly after the accident, which happened at 11pm on Saturday as the float was pulled along the A166, halfway between Stamford Bridge and the Grimston Bar roundabout.

But it left the trailer carrying Rudolph twisted, and lacking two wheels.

Today, Minster Lions' member George Bennett, vowed that fundraising for this year's supported charities, SNAPPY and St Dymphna's daycare centre, would continue.

He said: "The children like to see Rudolph and all the flashing lights that accompany him on the float, but we will make sure Santa and Mal the Adorable Lion are out.

"Rudolph is out of action until after Christmas, but he has become a bit of a tradition and we can absolutely guarantee everybody that he will be back in his full refinery next year and we will be working very hard to ensure that."

Fundraiser Gordon Harrison said: "Top Line Travel have really thrown us a lifeline. One of our Lions asked if they could help out, and they said yes straight away."

The bus will ferry the assorted characters, and fundraisers, across the city from tonight.

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk