FATHER Christmas made an out-of-season appearance yesterday, to try to persuade thieves to return his grotto.

He interrupted his well-earned break after hearing that his home from home in the Asda supermarket, Peterlee, east Durham, had been stolen.

Staff put the grotto outside the store so they could carry out maintenance work, and the shed-like structure is believed to have been taken during the night.

A saddened Santa yesterday appealed for its return.

"We are urging whoever took my grotto and left me ho-ho-homeless to return it," said Father Christmas.

Several children stopped and looked in disbelief as Santa wandered through the store.

A spokesperson for the store said yesterday: "Perhaps someone took the grotto thinking it was rubbish, and we no longer needed it.

"We are appealing to whoever took it to return it as soon as possible.

"Last year, Santa and his grotto brought joy to more than 600 children in the run-up to Christmas.

"It is hoped that once the grotto is returned, children in the area will again be able to enjoy a visit to Santa.