A GROUP of builders proved Father Christmas can build a chimney just as well as he can descend it when they got into the festive spirit.

Five builders working for Betterment Properties at a new development on Portland donned Santa costumes on their last day on site before the holidays. They entertained shoppers at the nearby Tesco site while fitting roof tiles on houses yesterday.

The team were adding the finishing touches to properties which will become The Windmills, a development of 40 homes in Park Road.

Debbie Lindoe, from Tesco, said: “They were there since first thing in the morning. There were five of them dressed as Santa and they were waving at customers as they pulled into the car park and shouting happy Christmas.”

She added: “Our customers absolutely loved it – it’s not something you see every day. They have really pulled out all the stops and they look fantastic.”

Kara Swann, 36, from Portland, spotted the surprising sight while she was doing her shopping, and said the builders had been entertaining all the passers-by.

“They just made everybody laugh and smile, they were all waving while they put on the roof tiles, it was brilliant.”

Dave McGrady, site manager for Betterment, said: “It was totally their own idea; they just turned up to work this morning in the costumes. We thought it was great. They have been working very hard and it was their last day before Christmas, so it was a good chance for them to enjoy themselves and have a bit of fun.”

Mr McGrady added: “We try to promote a happy working atmosphere and we all enjoyed it. People were coming up to them giving them hot mince pies and pasties. It wasn’t done as a publicity stunt but people did notice.”