TWO Hampshire reindeer escaped unharmed after their trailer overturned on a Hampshire motorway.

The two animals were heading to London to help pull Santa's sleigh when their vehicle crashed on the M3 on the first day of Advent.

The accident left them unharmed but gave other motorists a shock when they went to help only to see the pair trapped inside surrounded by Christmas regalia.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the collision, between Hook and Fleet in the north of the county, shortly after 11.15am on Saturday.

The fire service's animal rescue adviser, Colin Horwood, 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.

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 reindeer went merrily on their way and are sure to be well enough for December 24."