SANTA CLAUS has been held to ransom by a gang known as the “Gauldry Kidnappers.”

The bearded one and two snowmen were stolen from a garden in the village which their captors have taken their name from—and alcohol demanded for their return!

Peter and Janette Murphy were hoping that by supplying the four bottles of beer the kidnappers requested, their garden guests would be returned last night.

The elaborate prank began soon after the Murphys put the four nine-inch festive decorations—two Santas and two snowmen—outside their home at Balgove Road.

The singing and dancing figures had become a source of light-hearted jibes among their neighbours last Christmas.

And shortly after their return this year, they disappeared on Christmas Eve and a note was posted through the door.

It said the ornaments would only be returned if a quantity of alcohol was left outside the house by Hogmanay, and was signed, “The Gauldry Kidnappers.”

A second note contained a photograph of the Santas and snowmen with their kidnappers in heavy disguise.

Mrs Murphy told The Courier, “On Christmas Eve we got a note saying ‘pay up with four Budweisers or the Santas and snowmen get it.’

“Lots of people have been asking us if we have got our snowmen back yet!” she added.

The ransom deadline was last night—and the Murphys were crossing their fingers that the Santas and snowmen will be back to sing next year.