FATHER Christmas is arriving early this year, when he makes a special visit to Barnards Green for the opening of a new Acorns Children's Hospice shop today (Friday).

Santa will be making a special donation of toys to the shop at 1c Court Road, to encourage local people to bring along items which the shop can then sell in the run-up to Christmas.

Goods being requested for the new shop include children's books, toys, games and items of evening and party wear

The charity is fundraising to build a children's hospice in Worcester.

Chief executive John Overton said: "We are delighted to be opening a new shop in Barnards Green.

"We have many supporters in the Malvern area and the shop will complement their fundraising efforts as well as make it easier for local people to support the Three Counties Appeal to build the new hospice."