Rome - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says he has surprised his grandchildren with an early Christmas present: a Superman-like doll with facial features resembling his own.

"My grandchildren now really feel like the descendants of a super- hero," Berlusconi was quoted as saying Thursday by the online site, Tgcom.

The 72-year-old Berlusconi, a twice married father of five and grandfather of four, made the revelation during a Christmas party held for employees of Palazzo Chigi, the Rome-based office of Italian prime ministers.

Each "Super-Berlusconi" doll is attached to a model helicopter which forms part of the gift, according to Tgcom. The online site forms part of the Italian billionaire-turned-politician's media empire.

Presents are traditionally unwrapped on Christmas Day, December 25, but in Italy this is sometimes delayed until January 7, the Catholic Church's Feast of the Epiphany, when the Magi are believed to have brought their gifts to baby Jesus. (dpa)