SURPRISED passers-by caught a glimpse of Santa clambering over rooftops around Frinton in broad daylight.

But rather than carrying sacks of presents and venturing into chimneys, the mysterious figure was spotted hauling tools and TV aerials atop houses.

Aerial installation technician and dad-of-four Gary Mills decided to don the Santa suit while he did his jobs around the area for Frinton electronics store Sound and Vision.

He pulled on the suit, hat and fake beard combo, along with his usual attire of a high visibility jacket and hard hat.

Lorna Keeble, from the Triangle Shopping Centre electronics shop said: “Gary was caught up in the festive spirit and wanted to spread a bit of Christmas cheer while doing his jobs.

“It was probably a bit of a shock for people to see him on the rooftops but hopefully everyone was excited to catch a glimpse of Santa.”