EVEN Santa Claus needs a TV licence, authorities have warned.

TV Licensing has reminded grottos in East Lancashire they need a licence to show live television.

Temporary businesses operating over the Christmas period must pay for a full licence and claim a refund - worth more than £100 - in the New Year, a spokesman for TV Licensing said.

Paul Williams added: “Those without a valid licence risk a fine of up to £1,000 per offence.”