SANTA has forsaken his usual red garb in favour of green robes in a bid to promote eco-friendly Christmas trees at one of the region's top beauty spots.

Pines, firs and spruce go on sale at Hamsterley Forest tomorrow until December 22 from 10-4, and to make a trip there a great day out there will be plenty of other attractions to enjoy.

Among the festive fun over the next three weekends is face painting, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Santa will also be putting in an appearance, but is ditching his red outfit in favour of the natural green look which used to be the traditional colour of the British Father Christmas.

This figure dates back to the seventeenth century and is possibly fused with earlier Celtic traditions. Period pictures portray him as a well-nourished bearded man, dressed in a long, green, fur-lined robe. He typified the spirit of good cheer at Christmas and is reflected in the Spirit of Christmas Past in Charles Dickens' famous novel, A Christmas Carol.

Hamsterley ranger, Robin Lofthouse, said: "We thought a green Santa was a nice twist and a reminder that all is not what it seems when it comes to Christmas."

"Since we pride ourselves in selling trees from well-managed forests, the green colour couldn't be more appropriate."

Anyone wishing further information can ring 01388 488312 or visit the web site at www.forestry.gov.uk/Hamsterley.