Santa Harry Holman is hanging up his red suit and looking forward to a well-deserved lie-in next Christmas Day, after 22 years of special deliveries.

Mr Holman, 74, of Cutteslowe, began visiting the family home of Maureen and Pasqual Bruno in 1982, at the request of Mrs Bruno.

And every year since has driven over to their home in Monmouth Road, south Oxford, parked up the street and changed into a Santa suit, before delivering theirs and their children's gifts.

In that time he has read countless wish-lists, eaten a sackful of mince pies and watched the four Bruno daughters grow from babies to young ladies.

But failing health has prompted him to bring an end to his visits this year, and on December 25, 2005, he will instead enjoy a well-earned rest.

"It's sad that this is the last time that Harry will be coming over, but I don't think any of us ever dreamed that first year that he would carry on coming for more than 20 years," said Mr Bruno, 49.

"I met him through a relative 30 years ago when we lived in Summertown and when our first daughter Sophia was born, we paid a pound for the Round Table to deliver her presents.

"Then we moved to Bicester and then on to Oxford and they didn't deliver there, so we asked Harry if he would come over instead.

"He did and he just kept on coming!

"I made him a Santa suit and false beard from a dressing gown pattern and he's been dressing in it every year since then."

Mr Holman, who worked for W Lucy and Co for 41 years and still works part-time for Argos, was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, but said he feels 'fine'.

"I'm making this the final year I go over to the Bruno's because the children have grown up and it would be nice to have a little lie-in," he said.