Outrageous pranks are becoming something of a tradition in one Brampton household.

Allison Riddell's pesky little elf Jingleballs has been up to his old tricks again this year.

The mum-of-three has owned her elf for about four years and in that time he's brought a lot of mischief into her family's lives.

Among Jingleballs favourite targets is Allison's 28-year-old daughter Lauren Hitchen, who has had her bedroom and car - on separate occasions - completely wrapped-up in Christmas paper.

This year Jingleballs also filled up Lauren's car with balloons and Allison visited her house early the next day to film her reaction as she left for work.

Asked why she started with Elf on the Shelf, she said: "For a bit of added fun in the run up to Christmas and to prank the kids and not entirely get the blame.

"I enjoy giving people a bit of a giggle, it's not always easy at this time of year."

Allison, 51, of Dacre Road, said the ideas ether pop in her head or are based on things she's seen or things she's done.

Jingleballs arrived on December 1 and sticks around every year until Christmas Eve.

Among her favourite pranks are those Lauren has been on the receiving end. She also enjoyed the time Jingleballs covered the landing outside her son's bedroom with plastic cups filled with water.

Jingleballs' antics have also turned into a mini soap-opera, with his fairy wife Lillia, Barbie, Buzz and Woody also playing their part in the story.

Every year Allison opens up her Facebook page so people can see what Jingleballs gets up to.

"Friends share the posts," she said, "it's encouraged other people to get an elf of their own and pranks have been copied and shared.

"Friends help out with ideas. His family-friendly pranks are shown to my friend's children who have elves of their own. They appreciate that they have a pretty good elf and not a really naughty one.

"I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but we enjoy it."