Santa angry at getting canned

LEVIN, New Zealand, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- A veteran Santa Claus, so enthusiastic that he performed for two decades for free, says organizers of a New Zealand parade fired him without cause.

Geoff Denton told the Dominion Post he is especially hurt because the Horowhenua District Council selected someone who, in Denton's opinion, was not very good at the job.

"I'm hurt, but I'm more disappointed in the council," Denton said. "It's who they chose to replace me. I thought they would get someone really good, but the guy was a joke. And I told him so."

Colleen Sheldon, a spokeswoman for the council, said sponsors of the parade in Levin decided to switch Santas because the job has grown since Denton took it on in the 1980s. But she said organizers may change back next year.

Paula Loader, a mother of two who lives near Denton, said she hopes her neighbor gets to put on his red suit next year.

"We had the real thing and they replaced him with something that looked so false," she said, describing this year's Santa has having a "lopsided belly."