Rein in the carrots - it's moss and lichen that Rudolph wants

EXPERT EXPLAINS THE MYTHS ABOUT FATHER CHRISTMAS'S SPECIAL HELPERS

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FOR decades families have left treats out for Santa's team of reindeer - but it seems films and storybooks have led us astray.

In the UK alone, it is estimated families lay out a 3,000 tonnes of carrots on Christmas Eve, but Rudolph and his pals much prefer a more unusual snack.

Chessington World of Adventures specialist reindeer expert Rebecca Apperley said: "Carrots are native to central Asia and the Mediterranean, while reindeer roam wild in the Arctic Tundra, so it's not a foodstuff they naturally eat.

"Their most-loved dish is nutrient-rich lichen, moss and leafy browse."

Rebecca, whose official title is Head of Hoofstock, looks after the park’s resident reindeer, Bluebell, Aurora and Jingle, throughout the year ensuring they enjoy a specially formulated diet of nutrient-packed pellets made from barley, beet pulp, oats, wheat, molasses, grass, alongside a flaked maize treat to keep them healthy and full of festive energy.

Here Rebecca investigates the top ‘myths’ about Santa’s most special animal helpers:

Santa's sleigh team is most likely female