TOO many mince pies has left Santa bursting out of the seems of his famous red outfit.

The well-known round tum of Father Christmas seems to have grown since last year, and he has had to ask for a bigger belt.

Harlequin in Little Bromley has been busy creating a special 53inch long belt to wrap around the rotund Santa.

Sarah Candy who runs the bespoke dressmakers said: “We had an order for a three inch wide and 53 inch long belt for Santa as last year’s one doesn’t fit.

“The reason we were given was that Santa is getting fatter.

“Maybe we should be putting out carrots for Santa rather than mince pies this year if that is the case.”