Finding Saint Nicholas’ horse Amerigo has top priority, says Security and Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten. As he left a cabinet meeting on Friday, the minister said "All officers were on the case.”

The commotion surrounding the grey stallion has been caused by recent reports in children’s programme Saint Nicolas Journaal that the horse is missing. MPs have taken the make-believe reports seriously and asked the minister to take action. So far, the beast has not been found.

In a letter written in rhyme, Minister Opstelten said he had brought the case to the attention of the Dutch police force. "I’ve personally informed the police, of course. All officers are on the look out for the horse."

With three days to go before the Dutch exchange presents on the eve of St Nicholas’ day (5 December), the excitement is increasing. Every year, public children’s television follows the antics of St Nicholas and his 'Black Peter' assistants from the moment they leave Spain until ‘pakjesavond’ (parcel evening).

In good Dutch tradition, the saint from Myra always stumbles into some snag which threatens to ruin the festivities. But rest assured, a solution is always found at the last minute to save the day.

(nc/imm)

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