The Danish air force has coughed up £2,850 in compensation after two of its F-16s did for Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

Professional Santa Olovi Nikkanoff pocketed the cash after the flyboys admitted liability for scaring Rudolph to death as they flew over the happily-grazing animal in February. A shufti at the flight records confirmed that the two jets had indeed been operating in Rudolph's airspace at the time of his demise, and a vet declared the reindeer died of heart failure provoked by the racket.

Air force spokesman Captain Morten Jensen told Associated Press: "We got a letter from Santa complaining about his reindeer's death and looked into it seriously. We're more than happy to pay if it means children around the world will get their presents."

Nikkanoff will use the payout to buy a replacement animal, presumably one with a bit more combat experience. ®

Bootnote

IT angle? Nah - it's Friday.

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