Twenty-first century children are expected to make such high-tech demands of Santa Claus this year that the UK’s leading retailers are giving Santa a leave of absence from his grotto to gen up on the latest gadgets and gizmos.

PC World, the UK’s biggest computer retailer, has already begun an extensive training programme for its Santas, and set up a special e-mail helpline (pcworld@santasupport.co.uk) to guide and advise confused parents or elfin helpers.

Chris Kringle, of Leicester, was one of the first Santas to undergo special gadget training. He said that after 25 years as Santa, he does sometimes find himself longing for the days when a child would sit on his lap and ask for a train set rather than a PlayStation.

“Santa, of course, has a network of elves all over the world, building toys and getting ready for the big day,” he told Times Online. “But children these days can make demands that are a little more than Santa is used to. For the sake of his elves, and to make sure he keeps up to date with what’s available for children, it’s a good idea for Santa to do a little training.”

Mr Claus himself has no plans to update, however. “I will still be in the sled pulled by reindeer in the UK, and in Holland I will as usual travel by horse.”

Top of PC World’s list of things that Santa and his elves will need to learn about this year are the Nintendo DSi, the Sony PSP Go and the Samsung NC 10 netbook.

Over at top department store John Lewis, Santa is undergoing a similarly rigorous training programme.

Elaine Whiteman, toy buyer for John Lewis, said, "Our Santas are pretty good at keeping up to speed with the latest technological developments and trends. Our toy buying office prepares a special Santa briefing ahead of the festive season to make sure they can keep track of the hundreds of toys we stock. This year’s briefing is a bit of a blast from the past with the retro favourites such as the tricycle, as well as a glimpse of the future with more high-tech toys such as our Solar Go Go Car.”

Explore Tech & Web

• Personal Tech

• The Web

• Gadgets & Gaming