Berlin is facing a shortage of Santas, the head of a placement agency has told Reuters.

Rene Heydec, director of Berlin's Heinzelmaennchen agency — which acts for 5,000 families that order 20-minute visits from Santa on 24 December — said, "We need at least 300 Santas to meet the demand but we only have about 100 signed up so far."

Heydec, whose official title is Ober-Weinachtsmann (chief Santa Claus), added, "We prefer chubby men with a real beard but we're not picky and take what we get." The Santas earn €28 (£19) for each performance, to present a sack of presents provided by parents.