A VISIT by Father Christmas’s furry friends is under threat due to the lack of funding to bring the arctic animals to Marlow for festive celebrations next month.

Marlow Chamber of Commerce last year welcomed a herd of reindeer during its Late Night Shopping extravaganza for children to feed and pet during an evening of attractions and Christmas bargain hunting.

But after a sponsor dropped out, the group needs to find the £1000 cost to ferry the antlered helpers to town and has put out an urgent appeal.

Chamber secretary Jo Braybrooke said: "Last year live reindeer were in attendance which proved to be a great success but unfortunately the sponsors have had to pull out for this year.

"Is there a company who would be willing to sponsor them this year?

"Perhaps several companies would agree to pay something towards the cost which would mean the children would not be disappointed - or the adults!"

The annual Late Night Shopping evening returns on Thursday, December 4, and will be opened by lifesize Star Wars characters - rumoured to include the dark lord himself, Darth Vader.

Any offers of help should be directed to marlowchamber@computercavern.co.uk