DUDLEY South MP Mike Wood ditched his swish politician's suit and transformed himself into Santa's little helper to bring festive cheer to youngsters at Brierley Hill market.

Taking inspiration from what's been dubbed the greatest Christmas movie of all time - 2003 Will Ferrell flick Elf, the Tory MP got well and truly into the Christmas spirit when he dressed up as Santa's buddy as part of this year's Operation Santa appeal.

Mr Wood joined volunteers from Dudley Council for Voluntary Service, which runs the annual festive appeal for needy children across the borough, to help out in Santa's grotto in the High Street market which was raising money for the 2017 Christmas appeal.

He said the decision to lend a hand to the appeal was elf-explanatory - adding: “Operation Santa is an extremely worthwhile cause that brings happiness and joy to those families that usually do not have such an enjoyable Christmas.

“I thoroughly enjoyed helping out at Santa’s Grotto and a huge well done to the Dudley CVS for organising the event.”

He also turned up to lend a hand at Wordsley and District Community Association's annual Christmas bazaar at Wordsley Community Centre on the same day.

This time back in his suit - the MP spent the afternoon with community campaigners and drew the raffle at the event which is organised annually by Janet Blakeway.

He said: "It was lovely to see the Wordsley community come together to support this year’s Christmas bazaar. I couldn’t help but buy some of the excellent local products that were on offer."