Who says it's too soon for Santa?

Staff members from the Monk Bar Hotel glammed it up in the red velvet and white fur - plus the curly white beard - for the chance to start the Christmas celebrations in style as Father Christmas.

From the conference manager to the linen porter, the staff joined in the fun, being put through their paces by a panel of judges.

Hotel director June Nelsey said: "We have been having great fun preparing for these auditions and our award- winning staff have really got behind the search for a Santa Idol to help ensure our customers have a great time over the Christmas season."

Taking it more seriously than most was the hotel's own Simon Cowell - better known as deputy manager Darrell Burnham.

Despite his barbed comments such as "I bet Lapland is glad you are having a successful career in England" - he had fun with the contest.

"It just developed as an idea, and the staff have really taken it on board and had a lot of fun with it," he said.

Finalists being put through their paces were tested for the best 'ho ho ho' and 'Merry Christmas', twinkly eyes, big belly, and carol singing expertise.

Conference manager Neil Hudson, 33, said: "It's my first time in the velvet suit, to be honest it's a bit warm for September, but I'm having lots of fun."

Linen porter Karl Horton, 23, said: "I think a good Santa is someone who can show real commitment to the kids - and who has managed to find lots of presents from somewhere." Hotel decorator Richard Beaumont, 29, enjoyed the change from the ordinary.

"It's been exciting, I think it would be smashing to go out there and have a laugh with people."

The eventual winner was Gary Toal, 19, a general assistant at the hotel.

"Merry Christmas," he called to the passing visitors and motorists.

"I only got roped into all this because I have been a Santa before, but I think it could be lots of fun," he said.

"He's a natural," said June Nelsey.

Updated: 11:33 Wednesday, September 10, 2003