mmg.com.au

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Hay-Deer has been delighting drivers along the Echuca-Nanneella Rd for the past week.

The festive creation of Nanneella’s Olivia Mitchell was made using one large hay bale and three custom-made mini hay bales.

He has been spray painted to give him his colour and markings and stockings on hangers made his ears and tail.

His crowning glory is his antlers, made from carefully chosen branches.

Ms Mitchell searched in vain for a red nose, but had to instead settle for some plastic red flowers for his nose.

Rudolph also has some solar-powered Christmas lights on his back for some night-time glamour.

Ms Mitchell said this was the first year she had made a hay-bale reindeer to spread Christmas cheer, though she had previously made a pig and a smaller Santa and an elf.

‘‘It’s been a bit of a giggle,’’ Ms Mitchell said.

She has been encouraging neighbours to similarly embrace the Christmas spirit and get creative with decorations and displays.

Happily grazing in the front paddock, Rudolph is protected by an electric fence to prevent his escape.

‘‘He’s a happy-looking dude,’’ she said.

Ms Mitchell is not sure whether she will continue the tradition next year.

‘‘He might have a friend next year, ’’ she said.