Santa gnome makes it for Christmas after Storm Darragh

Cynthia Bafico, 70, of Rogerstone and her husband have garden gnomes in the back of their garden which backs onto the canal. 

In the festive period she decorates the gnomes with Christmas lights, but this year the Santa gnome ended up in the canal.  

In the run up to Storm Darragh, following windy weather, she found them ‘swimming’ in the canal after being swept away – including Santa.  

But, on Christmas Eve he was rescued following a joint effort by local residents. 

The Santa gnome stranded in the canal water (Image: Supplied)

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• Rogerstone 'much loved' festive gnomes stranded in water

The Santa gnome who ‘doesn’t float’ was stranded in the canal too far for her or her husband to rescue him.  

“Oh no, Father Christmas has gone for a swim. The weather is playing havoc with the gnomes this year,” she said in a social media post. 

A local resident, Charlie Parker commented: “Aw poor gnomes, hopefully the weather will get better, and they can continue to celebrate Christmas soon.” 

The successful rescue operation (Image: Supplied) A man lent them some extra strong poles which the couple used with the help of some local residents to rescue him.  

As the Santa gnome was carried back to the couple's home, other residents waved and honked their car horns.  

Cynthia Bafico told the Argus Santa told her: “Hurray... I’ve been rescued in time for Christmas. I didn’t know I could hold my breath for so long.  

The thankful rescued Santa gnome (Image: Supplied) "I need to give a big thank you to everyone who has been concerned about me, but a special thanks to Roger who has tried three times to get me out of the water. 

“I’d also like to thank Colin who lent Roger extra strong poles, to the gentleman who arrived on the scene just when an extra pair of hands was needed and to the people who honked their horns and waved as I was being carried home. Merry Christmas everyone.” 

Lottie the dog who loves the gnomes (Image: Supplied) In response to the good news, many local residents commented on social media saying they were relieved Santa had been rescued.  

A local resident, James Moss, who regularly walks his dog Lottie along the canal, said: “Lottie says this is great news, she’s missed him” 

Another resident, Joyce Thomas said: “Glad he’s home safe, now in a dry place” and Malcolm Morrell Jones added: “Great to see this, well done all.”