A chimney sweep took the opportunity to have some fun and take the classic Elf on the Shelf trend to a whole new level.

Smudge - as he is known in the industry - Smith battled away at a family's house in Barnsole Road, Gillingham, to get his brush and rod out the top of the chimney.

After "pushing and pulling" against a mystery blockage he was finally able to poke the brush out the top - and that is when they found a "naughty" elf clinging on.

But it was all in good fun to bring some Christmas joy to the children of the house who absolutely loved the joke.

The 62-year-old, who runs Up Yours Chimney Sweeping, said: "He was being a bit naughty. Clean chimney, safe chimney, elf free.

"It just brings a bit of cheer. They love the Elf on the Shelf, a lot of kids, and it gives everybody a bit of cheer.

"The customer loved it and so did the kids."

Smudge, from Rainham, explained you had to make sure the brush and rod came out the top of the chimney while cleaning in the past as a way of proving you were doing a good job.

Have you seen any quirky Elf on the Shelf ideas?