A journalism student got more than he bargained for when he did some work experience in his home town.

David Bridson, a final year undergraduate on the Newspaper Journalism degree at the University of Central Lancashire, had to dress up as an elf and pose on the busy streets of Leeds city centre.

The day wasn’t completely without purpose as he being photographed to illustrate a Yorkshire Evening Post story about the lack of Santa’s grottos in the city.

No Elf warning (Pic:YEP)

He said: “I was just sitting at my desk and the assistant news editor Charles Heslett came up and said ‘You’re going to hate me, how do you fancy being an elf?’

“I thought should I, or shouldn’t I, as I am not a hugely outgoing person.

“It was embarrassing in a way but also just a bit of fun.

“I had the police honking at me, saying ‘Shouldn’t you be at work?’

“Also, this little girl aged about eight came up and asked for a photo.

“I saw a friend of my sister’s on a bench laughing at me. I did enjoy it, in the end.

“The photographer insisted I do a lap around the newsroom and I got a round of applause.”

Searching for Santa
(Pic:YEP)

The day of modelling was almost doubly significant for David as it was meant to take place on his 21st birthday but sadly had to be put back 24 hours.

However, the whole experience has not put him off as he has arranged more work experience next month at the Post.

David’s tutor Delwyn Swingewood said: “We always tell our students to expect the unexpected.

“No doubt Charles will have something lined up for him in the New Year – perhaps a story about elf and safety at work.”

Charles Heslett said: “David had all the characteristics we were looking for: journalistic verve, keenness, a flair for copy and of course big rosy cheeks and a red nose.”