Eastleigh'S popular Father Christmas was ditched this year - in favour of an electronic Santa display that sings to children.

It's only the second time that the town's flagship Swan shopping centre has not had a Santa's grotto since it opened 15 years ago.

The move came as a blow to scores of parents and children who expected to see a traditional grotto in the town's shopping centre.

Confusion reigns over why the controversial decision was taken.

Swan Centre manager Dee Buffone has only been in the job for eight weeks - and by the time he arrived in Eastleigh, it was too late to book a real Santa.

He said: "I couldn't really say why the decision was taken. Having recently joined the company there was no way I could get a Santa at this late notice. It is a shame and we will consider it for next year."

Town centre manager Dennis Chandler added: "This is the first time there hasn't been a real Santa there. I believe they have an animatronic replacement."

The musical display, near the centre's Littlewoods store, is made up of a mechanical Santa sitting on a bench outside a snow-covered cabin. Father Christmas breaks into song every five minutes.

Eastleigh's alternative form of Santa comes as many shopping centres and department stores across the country have dropped the traditional grotto where children can visit Father Christmas, tell him what they want for Christmas and have their picture taken.

There is also a wishing well inside the display, and any donations given will go to the mayor June Hughes' charity appeal.