Budge’s mermaid lived at the fish and chip shop in the little seaside town of Aldeburgh.

Budge flew around her head with his gift.

“My beautiful mermaid,” he squawked. “A golden star for your hair?” But the mermaid shook her head and closed her eyes. Mermaids don’t talk to seagulls.

Father Christmas, passing by with his deliveries, shook his head disapprovingly. “Sammy is a starfish, Budge. He’s not to be pinned to the mermaid’s hair.”