In this season of goodwill, it seems somehow inappropriate that it is Santa who should feel the squeeze. However, it seems that the market is determined to have its say, even in Lapland.Santa is having to cut costs and lay off some of his helpers. Santa Park, as his home is otherwise known, was opened two years ago outside the town of Rovaniemi on the edge of the Arctic Circle.

However, it has attracted only half of the expected 200,000 visitors a year, is losing money and has been attacked for offering an unimaginative, plastic and expensive theme-park version of the Christmas experience.

"Too many costs and too little income, it's very simple," explains Mr Arto Lehtoniemi, who took over the park a year ago.