A Santa with a difference could be the latest craze thanks to the amazing powers of the petrifying well at Mother Shipton's Cave, near Knaresborough.

As the festive countdown begins staff at the attraction have been working hard to prepare hundreds of petrified Father Christmases in time for December 25.

Cuddly Santa Claus toys are being hung in the cascading waters of the petrifying well. As the weeks pass they are gradually being turned to stone.

Robert McBratney, general manager at Mother Shipton's Cave, says the response for the toys has been fantastic. He said: "For the last couple of years we have been asked to come up with special petrified objects for Christmas.

"This is the first time we have done anything about it and I am delighted to discover that the petrified Santas are going down a storm.

"Some people say they want to hang them on the wall as an unusual Christmas decoration. Others believe the Santas will bring them good luck."

The Santas are on sale at £12.95 in the giftshop and are also available by mail order.

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