Father Christmas wows Worcester

2:24pm Sunday 18th November 2007

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A SEA of umbrellas greeted Father Christmas when he arrived in Worcester today.

Families wrapped up warm and held brollies high in the air as they waited for the man with a big white beard and bright red suit to ride through the city and to his grotto in the CrownGate Shopping Centre.

Among the crowd outside the Guildhall, High Street, was Jan Williams with her sons Barney, aged seven, and Jake, aged six.

The brothers, of St John's, Worcester, sheltered from the rain until the man of the hour was in sight, sitting comfortably on his horse-drawn carriage.

"I'm going to ask for a metal detector," said Barney, "so I can dig up mum's garden."

Courtney and Ellie Smith, of Merriman's Hill, Worcester, were also excited about meeting Father Christmas. The sisters said they hoped to go to the grotto later in the week and four-year-old Ellie said she'll be asking for a Baby Born doll.

Leading the crowd-pleasing procession, which went down the High Street, along The Cross and to CrownGate's Friary Walk, were the Jazz Ramblers, playing Christmas tunes as they walked.

Father Christmas will be at CrownGate until Sunday, December 23.

The grotto is open from noon to 4pm on Monday to Wednesday and Fridays; from 12pm to 4pm on Thursdays; 10am to 4pm on Saturdays; and noon to 2pm on Sundays.