Yes, Santa WAS in the building.

Hotel managers have taken the unusual step of issuing CCTV footage to prove that Father Christmas visited on Christmas Day - after a customer complained that he was never there.

The footage from the Hythe Imperial Hotel shows Santa in full robe, with members of staff carrying presents.

June Young, from Sandgate, complained that her family lunch was ruined, particularly with the disappointment of her children not meeting Father Christmas on the magical day, as had been promised.

She wrote, on the website Tripadvisor: “Can you imagine the disappointment of the children? Try telling a five-year-old that Santa was in a hurry and had thrown presents out of his sleigh or he was too busy to get to The Hythe Imperial Hotel.

"I confirmed with the hotel on Christmas Eve that Father Christmas would be present and they confirmed that he would be.”

"I can confirm Father Christmas was definitely at the event and visited both the restaurant and the majority of the public areas" - Denise Vas, general manager

Ms Young, who was in a party of 13, with five children aged five to 12, at a price of £79 per head.

She said the missing Santa crowned a disappointing visit when their food was more than two hours late and was of poor quality. She said the hotel was too short staffed that day.

Denise Vas, general manager of the Hythe Imperial Hotel, said: "We are very sorry to learn one of the parties at our Christmas lunch was not satisfied with the service we provided.

"We had 280 guests booked that day and received a large number of compliments and thanks for both the service and the four-course meal.

"We also regret the guest did not raise the matter with us at the time so that we could have immediately resolved the issues.

"I can confirm Father Christmas was definitely at the event and visited both the restaurant and the majority of the public areas. His visit took place after the food had been served to avoid disruption to the meal.

"In addition to Father Christmas’ visit and the presents he handed out, there were gifts on the table to keep younger children entertained while lunch was served. Poinsettias and cards were also placed on tables for adults.

"Should the guest wish, we would be more than happy to talk to them directly about their concerns."