Brian Painting's hopes of winning a prize in a Christmas lights competition have suffered a setback after his giant Father Christmas vanished.

Mr Painting, of Berry Croft, Abingdon, was last year's winner of the town council's Abingdon in Lights competition.

He was hoping to win again with the highlight of this year's display - a 7ft tall inflatable Santa and an igloo staked to the ground. But now Santa has been stolen.

Mr Painting, who has six children and six grandchildren, said: "We're expecting a ransom note. I've no idea who would do such a thing. "I called the police just in case anyone was seen wandering the streets with him. It's a 7ft tall Santa with one arm raised. It would have been impossible to get into a car.

"Whoever took him must have had a sharp instrument as he was tied down with nylon cables. People are always stopping to look at the decorations, so I didn't notice anything unusual."

Hairdresser Mr Painting said the kidnap would not deter him from making the house look festive. He added: "I enter the competition because it is fun. It would be nice to have him back for Christmas."

Story date: Thursday 16 December

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