A HEXHAM-BASED business could be a record holder. 

We Buy Cars Hexham has a gigantic Santa hat on its van, measuring around two metres in height.

The business, which buys, sells and sources cars, bikes and tractors, has said it has been approached by an ex-judge from the Guinness World Records.

The clever marketing tool by John James, of Allendale, who owns the business which also carries out recoveries, and partner Elizabeth, has brought seasonal joy to the streets of Tynedale. 

He said: "When I've been driving round, and I also drive round with a Santa hat on, I can see people are elated, pointing at it and taking photos. 

"I didn't think it would be as impactful as what it is - something as simple as decorating a van. 

"I was going around with a canoe a couple of weeks ago, I want to make it a running theme to have something on the roof rack so it's something fun for the community."

Computer science graduate John, who also runs sister company We Buy Scrap, said there were no current records for hats on vehicles.

The current record for the tallest hat is 4.8 metres and the record for the tallest stack of hats worn while unicycling is 1.22 metres.