Giant Elf on the Shelf in Bristol wide 'hide and seek'

The elf will take part in a massive game of hide and seek around Bristol city centre

"Jump out of bed and come running to see…who'll be the first to spy BIG old me?"

Love them or loathe them, the Elf on the Shelf elves will be back in people's homes and lives as the countdown to Christmas is on.

Now the city of Bristol has taken this to a whole new level with an enormous 15ft (4.5m) elf gearing up for a massive game of "hide and seek".

The elf - which is yet to be named - will appear atop several of the city's buildings with fans likely to witness some classic elf mischief as he unravels toilet rolls or eats some festive treats.

Organisers said: "Coming and going before the city awakes, residents are being encouraged to get up and find the new spot the elf takes."

Daily clues about where he can be found will be shared on the Redcliffe & Temple BID's social media channels.

Daily clues about where he can be found will be posted on social media

The elf will travel around the city centre from 1 to 24 December, finding the perfect spots to bring some festive joy to children and adults alike.

Elf on the Shelf is an annual festive tradition originating in a 2005 picture book, written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell.

Bristol's elf though is the creation of prop and puppet-maker Jenny Simmons, Redcliffe & Temple BID and The Lumistella Company's official The Elf on the Shelf teams in the UK.

The ginormous elf is the creation of Bristol-based prop and puppet-maker Jenny Simmons and Temple and Redcliffe BID

Steve Bluff, head of Redcliffe & Temple BID, said: "What better way to say Merry Christmas to Bristol than with a giant 15ft elf... we can't wait to see what Bristol names our very own The Elf on the Shelf."

Mr Bluff said it is "fantastic" to support local talent on the national, and international stage.

"We can't wait to delight workers, residents and visitors this festive season with a big old Christmas cracker, all while bringing festive fun to some of our city's undiscovered areas," he added.

Anyone who embraces the festive tradition will know as soon as the Elf on the Shelf is adopted by a family, they must quickly be given a name of their own.

So a city-wide call-out to name the city's The Elf on the Shelf will also be running on social media channels.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [e-mail]

.