Local MP Alan Mak has officially opened the Leigh Park Christmas Grotto, marking the start of the festive season.
Once the ribbon was cut, excited children lined up to meet Santa at the grotto in the Greywell Shopping Precinct.
An empty unit has been transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with sleigh and reindeers, Christmas trees, elves, penguins, snowmen and twinkling lights. There is also a special room complete with fireplace where Santa meets young visitors.
The grotto is run by Kim, Dee and their band of volunteers and is created every year to give local children a special low-cost festive experience.
Each child gets to see Santa and receive a badge, sweet, Christmas card and present for £4.
Mr Mak said: "It was a pleasure to open the grotto. It looks fantastic and I would like to thank Dee and her team for all their hard work that I know will mean so much to local children."
The grotto is open from 10am-4.30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week and on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the week before Christmas. Last day of opening is Friday December 22 from 10am-4pm.
