Proof that Santa Claus exists may finally be found as a team of astronomers are preparing to look skyward on Christmas Eve.
Experts at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire are hoping to prove what every boy and girl across the world already knows with Santa Watch.
They are also appealing for believers, and non-believers, to report sightings of St Nick or any unusual activity in the night sky.
The world-renowned Lovell Telescope and the MERLIN Array, the UK's national radio astronomy facility inside the Discovery Centre, will be keeping a keen eye for any reindeer with red noses too.
Jules Burgess-Wilson, chairwoman of Favourite Days Out In Cheshire, which is co-ordinating the project, said: "Every little boy and girl knows that Santa exists but, just as with the Loch Ness Monster, until science has proved it there will always be some doubters.
"Visitors and staff to all our attractions can help out the experts by monitoring the night sky on Christmas Eve and letting us have any evidence they obtain."
Video or photgraphic evidence can be handed in at any of the Favourite Days Out attractions in Cheshire, such as Chester Zoo, Go Ape!, and Blue Planet Aquarium or uploaded to a Facebook page: facebook.com/favouritedaysout.
Chris Brown, chief executive of Marketing Cheshire, said: "Cheshire is well known for its out of this world tourist attractions as well as its world-famous astronomical heritage.
"It is only fitting that if anyone finds proof that Santa exists then it should be here."
The Santa Watch project involves more than 20 attractions involved in the Favourite Days Out campaign, which are open over Christmas and the New Year.
They include Chester Zoo, the Blue Planet Aquarium, the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes, Port Sunlight Museum, historic Tatton Park and the 136-year-old Anderton Boat Lift.
Other attractions include Go Ape!, Destination 49, Gulliver’s World Resort, Quarry Bank Mill and Walkden Gardens.
For details of Christmas events and special offers go to
www.favouritedaysout.com/
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