Santa popped into Morecambe’s Festival Market this week to prepare for the opening of his grotto on the weekend of 29 and 30 November between 10am and 4.00pm.

For just £1 children will be able to meet the great man and receive a special Christmas gift.

And, as an added bonus, to celebrate the opening, children visiting the grotto on 29 and 30 November can have their photo taken with Santa by a professional photographer between 10am and 12.00pm or 1.00pm and 4.00pm.

Following the opening weekend, the grotto will be open between 11.00am and 3.00pm on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 December.

On 7 December another special guest, the Bay Radio elf, will be taking part in the festivities and talking to children live on air.

Market manager, Tracey Bruce, said: “Last year’s ‘Santa and Me’ photograph promotion was so busy that this year we have had to extend the days to make sure all children have the opportunity to join in.

“This, added to the visit by the Bay elf means our grotto is going to be better than ever – and at just £1 it’s affordable to all.”

The Festival Market, which is operated by Lancaster City Council, has hundreds of bargains on offer all year round.

• Talking of Santa, don’t forget he and his reindeer will be in Lancaster this Sunday (16 November) for the annual switching on if the lights! The fun kicks off late afternoon in Market Square with Bay Radio on hand to deliver music to keep people warm by dancing to it!