Santa school opens for business

Santa students are put through their paces in a range of skills at the "school"

A "Santa School" to train budding Father Christmases has opened its doors in the south of Scotland.

The training at Mabie Farm Park near Dumfries aims to help people take on the role in places like shopping centres and children's parties.

The course includes a history of Santa, voice training, costumes, make-up and role playing exercises.

All students who complete the training get a "certificate of competence" to play the part of Santa Claus.

Candidates from throughout Scotland and the north of England are expected to attend the event.

Once they complete the school they will be dispatched across the country to play the part of Santa in the run-up to Christmas.

The Dumfries and Galloway-based training was set up last year.

Organisers said it was to help out Santa Claus who "cannot be in all places requested at the same time".