The alarm was raised after the wild animal was spotted swimming across the entrance to the Carrick Roads by a member of the public. The RSPCA and a lifeboat crew were assisted by the Civilian Marine Salvage Unit based at Devonport.

The deer now being checked by a vet and will be released back into the wild.

Ken Bazeley from Falmouth Coastguard said: "It was a little miracle.

"We are not sure where it came from, but we would like to reassure all children that Santa will be doing his rounds as normal."