It looked like Christmas had come early in one village – when Rudolph and two of his helpers turned up.

These three deer caused a stir when they casually wandered on to Pelsall Common early yesterday morning . The antlered animals spent the day trotting around the Common, just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of the village centre.

But the creatures sparked a flurry of calls to police and officers were on hand to make sure they did not stray on to nearby roads. Throughout the day, large crowds gathered to take pictures of the deer and drivers slowed down as they tried to catch a glimpse.

Stephen Thornton, aged 28, of Coalpool, was driving through Pelsall when he saw the deer.

“I had to do a double-take,” said the bank worker. I thought Father Christmas had lost his reindeer or something. There was loads of people on the Common looking at them and taking pictures. It was strange to see them in the middle of the village.

“It all looked quite picturesque and Christmassy.”

Rangers from Walsall Council were also at the scene to monitor the animals’ movements and advice was sought from experts at Cannock Chase.