Two reindeer have had a "lucky escape" after they survived a motorway accident without so much as a broken antler.
The pair were on their way to London for a festive parade - travelling in a trailer, not pulling a sleigh - when their vehicle overturned on the M3 between Hook and Fleet services.
Both animals were trapped until Hampshire firefighters came to their rescue.
Animal rescue adviser Colin Horwood, from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The reindeer, which were fully horned, were on their way to London to take part in a Christmas procession, complete with Santa's sleigh.
"The trailer they were travelling in had tipped on to its side.
"However, the reindeer had managed to right themselves and were stood up on their feet."
The driver of the trailer contacted the owner of the reindeer, who sent a horsebox to the scene to pick up the animals. Mr Horwood said: "Both reindeer were unharmed. It could have been much worse and their antlers could have been snapped.
"They had a lucky escape.
"The debris from the trailer was cleared while the reindeer munched happily on their feed, and the owner then led them to the safety of the replacement horsebox.
"The reindeer went merrily on their way and are sure to be well enough for December 24," he added.
The pair were on their way to London for a festive parade - travelling in a trailer, not pulling a sleigh - when their vehicle overturned on the M3 between Hook and Fleet services.
Both animals were trapped until Hampshire firefighters came to their rescue.
Animal rescue adviser Colin Horwood, from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The reindeer, which were fully horned, were on their way to London to take part in a Christmas procession, complete with Santa's sleigh.
"The trailer they were travelling in had tipped on to its side.
"However, the reindeer had managed to right themselves and were stood up on their feet."
The driver of the trailer contacted the owner of the reindeer, who sent a horsebox to the scene to pick up the animals. Mr Horwood said: "Both reindeer were unharmed. It could have been much worse and their antlers could have been snapped.
"They had a lucky escape.
"The debris from the trailer was cleared while the reindeer munched happily on their feed, and the owner then led them to the safety of the replacement horsebox.
"The reindeer went merrily on their way and are sure to be well enough for December 24," he added.
