IT sounds like a case of elf and safety gone mad - when A1 Ace taxi driver David Leonard decided to become Father Christmas to raise funds for Barnsley Hospice he could hardly have imagined it would be so complicated.
For the council told him, yes he could trim up his bus with lights and baubles. And, yes he could hold a bucket collection to enable passengers to contribute And there was no problem with him wearing a Santa suit - but there was no way he would be allowed to drive the bus while wearing his beard.
Coun Roy Miller, said: "He has been advised not to wear a false beard, as this would obscure his face – drivers are required to display their photographic licence at all times, which allows members of the public to identify that the person driving is the licensed driver shown on the photograph.
"Safety of the public is our paramount concern, but we wish Mr Leonard every success in his fund-raising initiative."
Santa Dave hopes to raise £2,500 for the hospice.
If you would like Santa Dave to attend your event call 07583030226.
** The full story is in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated November 14. **
