Santa had to call on dog power to pull his sleigh after continuing foot-and-mouth restrictions stranded his reindeer in Scotland.

Working team - left, Sian Fagg, 8, and Leighanne Fagg, 6, with some of the huskies. Picture: SEANA HUGHES (18856-a)

A team of Siberian Huskies pulled Santa's sleigh in Witham on Saturday, after his usual mode of transport, the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, were unable to leave Scotland.

So six huskies, Ash, Jet, Leah, Kaz, Mica and Zeta came to the rescue and delighted Christmas shoppers by pulling Santa on a tour of Witham.

Wendy Harlow of Grove Centre, Witham, said: "The dogs were great, children loved them."

Debbie Fagg, owner of the Siberian Huskies, said: "They thoroughly enjoyed it today, these are working dogs and they're never happier than when they are pulling a rig around.

Mrs Fagg is a member of the British Siberian Husky Racing Association, and with her husband Trevor she races her husky team at venues across the country.

Last Updated on Mon 17 December 19101 at 12:2