Britain desperately seeking Santas who `measure up'

It seems the Santa Claus business in Britain has fallen on lean times.

One of the country's largest suppliers of Santa Clauses reports a serious shortage of actors aspiring to play the jolly elf this year - a problem partly blamed on healthier eating trends.The Ministry of Fun, a London-based entertainment agency, demands that its Santas be con-vinc-ing - which means an authentic fat belly is required. "Kids can spot padding," agency director Julian Pearson says.

But fewer Santas are measuring up this year.

"They're eating salads and everything like this," Pearson says. "This is not what we want. We need to fatten them up."

Pearson faces finding Santas for about 470 engagements, ranging from store appearances to magazine shoots, in the weeks leading up to Christmas. So far, he's got only about 30 working, fewer than in previous years.

The demand for Santas is especially high this season, so Pearson says he's even scanned ads in actors' trade newspapers trying to recruit older, portly actors - preferably with their own white beards.

Francine Estry Elkinson's Manchester marketing agency also is desperately seeking suitable Santas though older actors with the right look and voice tend to be weight-conscious, which means they don't fill out the suit properly.

Pearson says he'll take amateurs who look the part, but applicants must audition, and most don't make the cut.

For the ones who do, the pay isn't bad - about $165 for a few hours of spreading good cheer.

"It's a huge job," Pearson says.