SANTA and Rudolph are having to rely on a black cab to take them back to the North Pole in time for Christmas after the rest of the reindeer went AWOL.

Rudolph is behind the wheel of the taxi outside the entrance to The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, hoping to learn the rules of the road in time for a Christmas Eve getaway.

Waiting patiently in the sleigh behind is Santa, who hired the cab to hopefully lift him and his sleigh into the night sky.

The stranded sleigh and taxi are proving a huge hit with Mere visitors and passers-by, intrigued by the novel attraction, which is lit up at night.

Knutsford Guardian:

The festive display was the idea of The Mere’s general manager Gary Johnson, who wanted to do something different for this year’s Christmas attraction.

“We have had lots of people asking what’s going on, and hundreds of cars stopping outside and people having their pictures taken – it’s created quite a stir,” said Gary.

“We’ve also had people coming down our driveway to see our meerkat sculptures in their ski goggles, bobble hats and scarves, and also have four prancing reindeer in goggles and hats with skis outside the main and spa receptions.

“A lot of people don’t realise they can come down the driveway, but everyone is welcome to come and see us.”