Ninny nonsense of the day.

Santa is being told to shift the pounds before Christmas – because the obese saint is failing to set a “good example” for children.

Because, of course, kids look to Santa as model for how they ought to behave. Kids see the red suit, the workshop full of elves, the sprawling North Pole sweat shop and think to themselves “I want some of that!”

The traditional children’s hero, best known for feasting on mince pies left out on Christmas eve, has always sported a bulging midriff.

But shopping centre bosses are giving the well-wisher his marching orders – to the nearest gym – to tackle the increasing problem of obesity.

The revelation comes after a medical report earlier this month stated that by 2050 more than 50 per cent of Brits will be obese.

And that’s the fault of a mythical guy who only shows up for a month or so out of the year. Riiiight.

Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe, Kent, has even gone one step further and set-up a Santa boot camp.

Fiona Campbell-Reilly, spokeswoman at the shopping centre, said: “Santa has been around for years, but society has changed and our Santa needs to reflect this.

“Bluewater’s Santa Boot Camp is getting Santa in shape and setting a good example to children who idolise him.

“He will still be the same lovable jolly man, but will be fitter and healthier.”

Despite Santa burning 600 calories an hour from delivering presents, the problem lies in the tasty mince pies left as a treat.

No, I’d say the problem is in a society that thinks slimming Santa is going to have any effect whatsoever.

What’s next, suing Santa’s until his sleigh conforms to airline safety regulations?