Security beefed up for runaway reindeer which fled Christmas attraction

Buddy is back in his enclosure after his travels

A reindeer which sparked a huge search operation after escaping from a Christmas attraction has had security measures beefed up at his stable.

Six-year-old Buddy fled Santa's Enchanted Forest in Formby, Merseyside, at the weekend, prompting armed police officers, the coastguard and members of the Royal Marines being called in to track him down.

After several hours on the run, the exhausted animal from north Wales was discovered on a nearby beach, where he had fallen asleep among the sand dunes.

Site owner Steve Howard said he was "hugely relieved" to get Buddy back, adding that he has increased the height of the reindeer's enclosure by "two or three feet" to prevent a repeat.

Merseyside Police received reports that Buddy had gone missing at about 13:45 GMT on Saturday.

Concerned he might end up in a nearby river, the force called in coastguard teams to help find him.

Up goes the new fencing in Buddy's enclosure

Buddy was eventually discovered by using thermal binoculars before being sedated by a vet, assisted by some Royal Marines who were on exercise at a firing range close by.

The animal was then placed in a trailer and returned to his stable.

Mr Howard, 45, said reindeers were "typically curious creatures", adding that Buddy had been "having a run around his enclosure" prior to getting over-excited and jumping the fence.

"Reindeers could clear a 16ft (4.9m) fence if they really wanted to," he said.

"But, having gone on an adventure, I think Buddy has satisfied his curiosity and is just glad to be back here eating moss with his reindeer friends.

Buddy's unscheduled spot of sightseeing caused quite a stir around Formby

"Essentially, they are pack animals and thrive on each other's company."

Mr Howard said "appropriate control measures" had been taken to stop a reoccurrence of Buddy's roaming.

The animal has also been given two medical checks and a course of antibiotics.

"The safety and wellbeing of our reindeer is paramount," he said.