SANTA Claus is coming to town - or, to be more precise, taking over the town.

For years, Chester-le-Street, in County Durham, has had barely a limp stocking from the jolly Laplander, but now, thanks to a local appeal, the town has so many Santas that officials don't know which one is the genuine article.

With four Father Christmases setting up grottos in town, the local council has teamed up with Durham Police to expose the false beards and fake bellies.

But baffled PC Steve Minns ended up more confused than ever when all four claimed to be the real Santa.

"It's beyond me," said the perplexed PC. "All I can suggest is that the kids in the town set up a stakeout and visit all the grottos so they can decide for themselves."

Suspect number one will be at the In-Shops, Front Street, from Saturday, until next Saturday, December 22. Half the money raised will go to Butterwick Children's Hospice, while mothers and fathers can buy a raffle ticket that could win them a meal for two at Lumley Castle.

The second suspect will be at Sandcastle's Soft Play from Wednesday, to Saturday, plus Friday and Saturday, December 21 and 22. Money raised goes to the North-East Children's Sleep Unit. The third suspect Santa will be at St Cuthbert's Walk on Saturday, and then from Monday to Saturday, December 17 to 22.