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Buddy’s unscheduled spot of sightseeing caused quite a stir
A reindeer called Buddy sparked a huge search operation after he went on the run from a Christmas celebration.
Armed police officers, the Coastguard and members of the Royal Marines were called in to track him down after he fled Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Formby, Merseyside.
But Buddy’s winter escape soon wore him out, and Santa’s exhausted key worker was found fast asleep in nearby sand dunes.
A relieved Steve Howard, owner of Santa’s Enchanted Forest, said Buddy had just become over-excited and had decided to stretch his legs, adding, “I think he was just doing a trial run for Christmas Eve.”
Merseyside Police said it began receiving reports the reindeer had gone missing at about 13:45 GMT on Saturday.
Worried he might end up in a nearby river, the force called in teams from the coastguard to help find him.
Buddy, from north Wales, was later discovered on Formby beach using thermal binoculars, while a lifeboat quad bike team stepped in to shepherd him into the dunes.
Monitored by a police drone, an exhausted Buddy finally laid down to rest as a vet administered some sedatives in the early hours of Sunday.
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The reindeer – seen here in night vision – was eventually tracked down at Formby beach
The vet was supported by some Royal Marines, who were on exercise at a firing range close by.
Buddy was then placed in a trailer and returned to his stable.
Steve said Buddy is a young reindeer who is “full of beans”, loves children and enjoys them hand feeding him moss.
“We have had the reindeers each year for about seven years now and on this occasion Buddy got excited and jump the enclosure.
“I am grateful for the services helping to get him, and want to say thanks.”
Southport Lifeboat added: “Christmas is saved thanks to some great work from multiple agencies.”
Facebook group Formby Bubble shared a message from Buddy’s owners, posting: “We’re happy to report that Buddy is now safe, warm and snuggled up back home in north Wales.
“After his unexpected seaside adventure, he is enjoying some well-earned rest in his cosy stable and will be taking it easy for the rest of the year.”