A man has a phobia of dancing Father Christmas figures

Gary Hollidge suffers from cold sweats and shortness of breath whenever he sees a dancing Santa Claus.

The former pub landlord says that his fear started at the age of seven after the "unexpected" movement of the figure triggered his trauma.

Hollidge avoids festive decorations and explained that his anxiety worsens as Christmas Day approaches.

The father-of-two from Kent told The Sun newspaper: "It's bizarre, I know, but the weird little dancing figures freak me out.

"I can't bear the way they move. When a Santa starts jiggling, I start to sweat and my hands go all clammy."

The fear is made even stranger as he is comfortable with real-life versions of Saint Nick.

Hollidge added: "I've no problems with real-life Santas in a red hat and a dancing beard - but dancing ones? No.

"It's not enjoyable as they can appear anywhere, any time."

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