A YOUNG reindeer whose horns did not grow in time for Christmas is now enjoying leading a sleigh parade – after its owner made her an antler wig.

Trevor Hill, aged 47, who runs an animal sanctuary from his home in Bromyard, painstakingly crafted the unique toupee out of fake fur and old antlers so reindeer Kate could appear at local Santa grottos.

The six-month-old’s antlers should have grown in time for her to lead a procession of 14 reindeers to star in Christmas performances in front of hundreds of excited children.

But rather than disappoint the youngsters, Mr Hill spent hours in his workshop perfecting the fake headgear.

Mr Hill said: “People don't even notice that she's got anything other than real antlers which is the mark of how good the toupee is.

“No one knows when she is out and about during the shows – you can’t tell the difference. She looks a lot happier now, at first she really looked like the odd one out.

“But I didn’t want to disappoint the kids and she can now proudly lead the group as the head of the procession and leads the male reindeers around who pull the sleigh.

“We have got 14 reindeers and we use them for Santa’s grottos, special appearances and things like that.”

The unusual wig was made from old antlers belonging to fellow reindeer Will before being attached onto a metal frame and secured with a leather strap.

Mr Hill lives with his wife Julia, 40, and two sons Stephen, 17, and Christopher, 12, at their home which also houses wild birds and reptiles.

The reindeer will be at Webbs Garden Centre, Hagley, near Stourbridge on Saturday and Sunday, between 11am and 4pm, and Christmas Eve, 11am to 2pm.