Help wanted: Person of jolly disposition and good with kids. Must wear a suit.

Santa may be busy in Lapland getting ready for Christmas, but his dopplegangers are getting ready to hit the shops of Lincoln.

This could be Santa’s busiest Christmas ever as job adverts for someone to fill the big red suit are already being published.

Lincoln-based recruitment agency Barker Ross has recently placed an advert for a temporary Santa’s helper, and are looking for someone reliable, is a friendly communicator and has the ability to work in a busy grotto.

Duties for the position include posing for photographs, giving out Christmas presents and talking to children.

But the successful candidate for this position will not just be paid in carrots and coal. Barker Ross’ client is offering between £10 and £12 per hour to whoever is chosen to don that long, white beard.

Additionally, Pennells Garden Centre in South Hykeham is looking for a new Santa’s helper to spread some Christmas joy this year.

Managing director Richard Pennell explained that their usual Santa’s helper, who has filled the position for eight years, is unavailable this winter, so they are looking for someone to fill his black leather boots.

“Santa’s helper has been coming to the garden centre for the last 15 or 20 years,” explained Mr Pennell.

“He usually joins us at the beginning of December on the weekends, and then comes in every day in the week running up to Christmas Day.

“We build a grotto for him so the children can visit and have their photographs taken.

“We’ve tried putting a few letters up chimneys in our search for a new Santa but now we’ve started to advertise the job in-store.

“Ideally, we’re after someone who fits the typical Santa profile. It would be best to get someone with the big beard and the physical attributes.

“But really we need someone who gets on with children and is of a good nature.”

Rod Timmis, 65, from North Hykeham, has been playing the role of Santa’s helper on behalf of the Lincoln and District Model Engineering Society for a number of years.

“I’m a Christmas sort of bloke so the reaction is well worth it,” he said.

“Last year we were inundated with kids wanting to see Santa. They come to see me and sit on my sleigh.

“I like doing it. It’s good fun and always gets a good reaction.”

To apply for the Barker Ross Santa job, email a CV to racheljones@barkerross.co.uk