Families 'opting out of leaving Santa Christmas tipple'

Father Christmas has little chance of driving over the limit as more families opt to leave him a glass of milk rather than sherry, according to a new study.

A survey of 2,000 adults by the Co-op found almost three out of 10 will place a glass of milk next to the chimney, with a fifth offering the traditional sherry.

One in 10 are thinking of leaving some whisky, and a similar number are likely to pour a glass of wine to help Santa cope with his busy schedule.

The tradition of leaving a mince pie also seems to be on the wane, with many of those polled preferring to provide chocolates or biscuits.

Amanda Jennings, head of marketing at the Co-op, said: "Obviously, families want to help Santa with his massive task on Christmas Eve and even though many will be leaving him milk we think he should appoint a responsible elf as a designated driver.

"What is left out for him clearly reflects changing tastes."