Watch: No rest for Rudolf as bookings roll in for Shropshire family
It may be only a month after most have put the decorations away, but one family is already getting ready for next Christmas.
The Jolly family are behind many appearances of real life reindeer at Christmas events across the region – and they are already being inundated with bookings for next year, with almost 11 months still to go.
The family have five of the animals at their farmstead near Craven Arms, and said bookings for a VIP appearance by them had quadrupled this last festive season.
Ruby Jarrett, 28, has been running Jolly Entertaining events management company for four years, but the firm specialised in more than just organising parties and receptions, she said.
"One of the things I do is reindeer," she said. "In fact that's how it started out. My dad Peter Jolly owns the reindeer, he's had them for seven years, and he would hire them out himself – but after I had my daughter I started Jolly Entertaining and took over."
The mother of two said the animals were kept among other unusual furry friends on her parents' farm, such as llamas, donkeys, goats, a camel, and an ongole bull more commonly found in India.
"We also do a live nativity scene, and donkey displays," she said.
