Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer and the others were nowhere to be seen when an alternative festive figurehead pedalled into town.

Barnet Green Party sent a green Mother Christmas to Chipping Barnet library to dispense satsumas as well as tips for an environmentally friendly New Year on Sunday.

A planned cycle parade was called off due to heavy rain but Mother Christmas ventured into the covered shopping areas in High Barnet to spread the message about shopping locally and walking, cycling or using public transport.

While adults seemed nonplussed, many children were fascinated by green Santa, who occasionally removed her beard.

Ms Christmas, otherwise known as Barnet Green Party member Gardi Vaswani, said: "The reindeer work so hard that I gave them the day off and travelled around by bicycle instead.”