A MAGICAL Christmas grotto helped mark the start of Christmas for children in St John’s, Worcester.

Santa and his four helpers, along with his two reindeer, spent the morning in the British Red Cross shop in King Charles Place on Saturday.

Children were invited to go along and talk to Father Christmas and chose a present from the lucky dip basket, as well as have their faces painted.

Now in its third year, the event always draws the crowds both inside and outside the shop.

Volunteer Lois Dandy said the Christmas grotto was a firm favourite with shoppers.

“People look forward to it,” she said. “It always draws a large admiring crowd on the outside and the inside. Everybody waves as they go past. He is always a big attraction.

“The children are always keen to see him [Santa], he’s such a big jolly chap.”