Bad Santa: Man in red promotes drink driving and obesity

HE’S grossly overweight, drinks far too much and drives at breakneck speed without a seatbelt, yet children the world over adore him.

But, according to a public health expert, with his portly belly and a fondness for a drink-fuelled spin on the sleigh, Santa is a bad influence on parents and children, encouraging everything from obesity to drink driving.

Dr Nathan Grills has done a study of the famous man and suggests Santa slim down by ditching the mince pies, snacking instead on his reindeers’ carrots and celery sticks. He also should trade in the sleigh for a bike or throw his sack over his shoulder and deliver his presents on foot.