Saint Nicholas's sidekick Black Pete to get makeover in Dutch racism debate

Black Pete, the jolly sidekick of the Dutch Saint Nicholas, is finally getting a facelift after years of bitter debate including death threats against those calling for change.

An Amsterdam court's ruling in July that Pete - traditionally dressed in a gaudy medieval costume with a blackened face, red lips and an afro wig - was a "negative stereotype" encouraged many to try to change the deeply rooted custom.

"It's the beginning of change, it will continue for years to come because more and more people agree it should change but it's going to take a long time," said historian Gabor Kozijn.

With less than two months before Dutch children's favourite day, December 5, when Saint Nicholas and Pete hand out presents, the debate has reached fever pitch, with Black Pete's defenders refusing to admit there is anything racist about the playful character.

Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan has said that a "substantial" number of this year's Petes would not be black but would have some "soot marks" on their faces, ostensibly from climbing down the chimney.

And a White Pete would for the first time be present during a daily televised "news bulletin" on Saint Nicholas's activities.

Many people in the Netherlands do not want to see the national tradition changed because what they say is a minority of people see it as racist.