Santa Claus dies at 86

Actor John Moore was best-known as being perhaps one of the most famous Father Christmas characters after starring in the festive Coca-Cola and Morrisons adverts

Mr Moore, from Burgess Hill in West Sussex, brought Father Christmas to life every year for many families for his role in the much-loved adverts in 2005 and 2006.

John Moore, 86, starred in countless Christmas ads over the years thanks to his plump figure, fluffy snow-white beard and caring smile.

Coca-Cola bosses today paid tribute to the man they hired to play their festive mascot, calling him "the true spirit" of Christmas.

He really did bring to life the true spirit of the iconic Coca-Cola Santa Claus.

When he was not playing Saint Nicholas on TV, Mr Moore used to dress up in his red suit, belt and soot-black boots to appear at various venues for charity, close to his home in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

Throughout the rest of the year, the famous TV Santa Claus worked as a taxi driver and barman.

Following the news tributes poured in to the actor after his death.

Coca-Cola paid tribute to Moore, who appeared in their print advert for Christmas 2006 and said he brought "the true spirit" of the character to life.

A spokeswoman said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of John and our thoughts are with his family and the community.

"He really did bring to life the true spirit of the iconic Coca-Cola Santa Claus."