Christmas: How a Caerphilly miner became Santa Claus
Image source, Mark Roberts
Image caption,Mark Roberts began working as Santa as a new job during the Covid pandemic
By Peter Gillibrand
BBC News
A former miner has gone from bags of coal to sacks of toys with a new career as a professional Father Christmas.
Mark Roberts, 62, started his new job during the Covid pandemic and has spent thousands of pounds on his suit, sleigh, reindeer and grotto.
He said demand was huge, and parents and children have flocked to his grotto in Gelligaer, Caerphilly county, since it opened in November.
While this job is very different from being in a pit, it remains hard work.
Mr Roberts, from Gelligaer, said: "When I'm in that suit I'm cooking. I've got this yak-hair beard and sometimes you want to rip it off.
"But once I'm in the costume I forget about it. I've got fans on the sleigh to cool me down."
But he said: "It's just overwhelming the amount of people who want to see me. It's gone through the roof."
"The sparkle in the children's eyes when they come, and even the mams' and dads', and they come with their grandparents, it just makes it all worthwhile," he said.
Image source, MARK ROBERTS
Image caption,The 62-year-old says he's been described as "the real Santa"
The worst thing is not being able to see everyone.
He used to work at Penallta Colliery, near Hengoed, Caerphilly county, and inevitably, his new role is seasonal, so he builds dovecotes the rest of the year.
He insisted there was more to it than children sitting on his knee and listening to what they wanted for Christmas.
"Everything we do, we try and do it as professionally as we can," Mr Roberts said.
"I have a new beard every year. There are no cutbacks."
He has special buttons on his suit and a buckle bearing the initials "SC", adding: "We've spent a lot of money. We've just had grotto doors fitted. I'm still building.
Image source, MARK ROBERTS
Image caption,Mark Roberts, in the centre of the back row, in his former life as a miner
"Believe it or not, I'm planning for next year to have a 10ft tree in the front of the garden and have all lampposts coming down the drive and heading into the grotto."
"I'm thinking about it now and Christmas isn't even over yet."
Social media has meant people come to see him from far and wide. One woman visited from Australia.
Demand has also been high from parents of children in hospital. He sends them video messages.
Already 2024 bookings across the UK are being made.
"Everybody's saying I'm the real Santa Claus," Mr Roberts said.
Image source, CHAR LOTTIE
Image caption,He spends the festive season putting smiles on children's faces
He is not planning to retire any time soon.
"I intend to continue as long as I can, it's rewarding, not just financially," he said.
"It's about people saying they won't go and see another Santa again as long as they see me."
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