A burglar turned tail and fled when he was confronted by a seven-strong team of plastic Santas.

The thief had broken into a house in Guisborough, east Cleveland, looking to help himself to a pile of presents beneath the Christmas tree.

But he had reckoned without the singing santas, lined up inside the front room.

Inside each Father Christmas is a small motion detector and when the beam catches someone moving past each figure booms out a hearty "Ho, ho, ho - Santa's coming" greeting.

Police said the thief had been rumbled by the colourful 12in high Santas, standing by the fireplace, as he approached the goodies.

Alerted by the electronic greeting the householders - who have asked to remain anonymous - came downstairs.

They found the door ajar and a pile of presents neatly stacked in the front room, ready for a speedy removal.

Unfortunately the thief did manage to make off with a Sony PlayStation 2 plus some accessories and games.

Police said they belonged to a teenager who had saved up money from his paper round to buy them.

However, officers believe the timely intervention from the all-singing, all-dancing decorations, prevented more goods being taken.

An officer, who did not wish to be named, joked: "We did catch site of a couple of stout fellows dressed in red and white with beards and they were duly interviewed.

"However, they have now been eliminated from our inquiries."

Anyone who can help inquiries is asked to ring police on (01642) 326326.