Santa swaps sleigh for taxi to spread Christmas cheer

He has been surprising Mansfield residents by driving a ACE-ABC taxi around the town - which is usually driven by 34-year-old Kaleem Khalil.

Santa said: "It's really put a smile on people's faces.

"One lady even said she had been to a funeral and I had really made her day.

"It's been a unique experience."

Santa said he will be around until Christmas Eve, then its back to work with Rudolph and his sleigh.

But he hopes to be back next year - and has plans to raise money for charity when he makes his next appearance.