Bluetongue keeps Rudolph reined in

SADLY, Rudolph the reindeer seems unlikely to be able to join Santa in Poole Park this year.

Last year Rudolph, along with comrade Blitzen, spent a hectic month welcoming 40,000 visitors young and old to the grotto.

After a magical railway trip around the lake, people delighted in visiting the reindeer and other animals.

But when not pulling Santa's sleigh, the pair spend their holidays at a reindeer farm in Kent.

"They are absolutely fine," said owner Chris Bullen. "But this foot and mouth and bluetongue is a problem and Defra is saying we don't want any contaminated area animals coming into non-contaminated areas.