IN the middle of pandemic restrictions an interactive Santa is just what you need.

But the family of Redditch businessman Chris Goodall haven’t just got one, there’s two.

Only problem, they’ve only got one Santa suit between them.

Hundreds of Redditch children can have the excitement of Santa coming to their street this year because Chris is rebranding his Redditch Vehicle Hire van into a Father Christmas mobile.

And while he is decked out as Santa and being driven round the town’s streets his colleagues will be live streaming the event and responding to shout outs or letting people know where they are.

To make sure the Santa drive is Covid safe Chris and his elves (James Dean and Jamie Porter, branch manager and operations manager of the business) decided they could not announce where they would be because it might draw too big a crowd at any one spot.

Hence the stream and taking it as it comes, finding the children and ‘throwing out’ pressies.

Chris has spent £400 buying 300 gifts to giveaway, including toys, to plasticene sets and selection boxes.

“We have had a tough year as a business but we also know it’s been tough for everyone else. And as a business we believe its important to give something back.

Chris is all prepared, with elf outfits and the van branded up, free of charge by local firm Nxt-Gen Printing.

Except for the Sant suit.

Currently dad John is using it to host Zoom grotto sessions for children to raise money for Rotary.

He’s promised to let Chris have it for the Redditch gift tour on December 23, but only if he gives it straight back.

“It’s great bringing smiles to all the children,” said the younger Santa Claus.