SANTA will have to be careful this year when he delivers presents to farms in North Yorkshire so he does not breach foot and mouth restrictions.

Despite reindeer being susceptible to the disease, children in the region can rest assured that Santa's present-laden sleigh will still be able to reach their homes after DEFRA issued the necessary licence.

Michael and Sarah Thompson, aged six and four, whose parents farm at Saltburn, voiced the fears of children on farms across the UK in a letter to Farmers Guardian.

It read: "We are very worried that Santa will not be able to come to our farm at Christmas because we both think that he will need a special licence to bring his reindeer.

"Surely once the reindeer have been on one farm, they'll be on a standstill for three weeks and it'll take about ten years to deliver all the presents. So can someone answer our simple question please - does Santa need a licence?"

Vets at DEFRA's licensing unit at Lawnswood, Leeds, provided the answer. Santa can complete all his visits, provided he makes all his usual roof-top landings.

As a result the Disease Control Centre has issued a licence to Mr S Claus which is valid from December 24, 2001. Under its terms Mr Claus must "maintain an airborne route at all times. If any stops en route involve anything except roof-top landing, full cleansing and disinfection must be carried out before proceeding."

Brian Woolacott, deputy director of operations at DEFRA, Leeds, said: "After the upheaval caused by foot and mouth disease, you can understand why Michael and Sarah were so worried.

"However, providing that Santa makes his roof-top landings as usual, as specified in the special licence we have granted, they can rest assured that Santa will be able to deliver presents to everyone who deserves them this year."

Updated: 12:13 Monday, December 24, 2001