Manchester’s biggest festive red resident has arrived in Albert Square for what could be his final appearance on his perch in front of Town Hall.

His eleventh year in the city, the six-tonne Santa behemoth has become an icon of the city’s festive season and is the latest in a long line of over-sized St Nicks scaling Manchester City Council’s clock tower.

However, during the Town Hall’s refurbishment it will likely be necessary to find Santa a new home if he is to stay in the city.

Never out of site during the festive season, Manchester’s giant Santa is lit by 100,000 low energy LED lights, but his huge size and weight means his location needs careful planning. The City Council are currently investigating alternative locations for the city’s favourite festive mascot.

As a thoroughly modern Santa, he will be back on twitter this year wading into all of the Christmas conversation. Follow him @MCRSanta and keep up with all the festive news.