Kids and parents visiting a Christmas grotto watched as a reindeer became sick and was taken away to the vet - and rumours of its death spread online.

Reindeers were brought in as part of Polhill Garden Centre's Christmas Grotto launch event last weekend, which cost £10 per child.

But then one of the reindeer became sick and had to be taken out of the grotto.

Retail manager Dan Banning said: “We have used the same company for many years. They have always been very good.

“The deer were fine on arrival but one of them was taken ill. The company took him straight back to their base.”

He said: “The good news is the reindeer that was with us is back to full health. The vets visited him when he went back.

“The vet has given him a clean bill of health and he is now back grazing in his paddock with some other reindeer.”

MORE: Fight breaks out near Christmas lights event in Orpington

When asked if he knew what was wrong with the reindeer Mr Banning said: “I’m not an expert in that field.”

Rumours were spread on Facebook that the reindeer had died after somebody had fed it something.

Chris Cottle said: “Someone give it something and it died.”

Faye Martin said: “That’s is bl**dy terrible!!!!! But they should have someone keeping an eye make sure not being fed by the public Poor thing......”

The animal is owned by the Reindeer Centre in Kent. News Shopper tried to contact the centre to find out what had made the reindeer sick, but they were not available to comment.

Despite the ill reindeer the grotto launch was a success according to Mr Banning.

He said: “We had a full garden centre, a lot of people up here wanting to have some good, genuine family fun.

“The grotto was open, and the shop was trading. So, it was all a very positive and fun weekend.”