German Santa ban?

A Catholic group in Germany is attempting to ban Santa Claus.

Bonifatiuswerk have dismissed images of the bearded man who delivers Christmas presents as nothing more than an advertising trick.

Instead, they want pictures of Santa replaced by those of St. Nicholas, the saint he is originally based on.

On their website, they describe the saint as "a helper in need who reminds us to be kind, to think of our neighbours and to give the gift of happiness".

The popular image of Santa Claus was created by American author Washington Irving, before it was later modified by Thomas Nast, who fattened him up and put him in red clothing.