PLAY centre Amazonia has reopened to the public just weeks after it announced that it was permanently closing.

The play area and mini-golf centre located in the Vaults at Market Place Shopping Centre has thrown open its doors in time for the festive season, including a brand new Santa's grotto and Santa Express as part of their relaunch.

Jonathan Sangster, General Manager of Amazonia, said: "The lights switch-on and the many activities going on at The Market Place will be a great draw for Christmas shoppers.

"We decided to set-up the Santa's Grotto, with support from the landlords, to help raise funds for the children's ward at Bolton Hospital.

"Donations are voluntary and the attraction is free, with chocolate coins for all children, so we're expecting it to be a big hit with families in the region

Nikki Wilson Cook, centre manager for Market Place, said: "They're putting money towards a local children's hospital charity and kids can come down and see a fantastic new grotto with Santa for free.

"I am absolutely delighted about it. Ho ho ho!"

A ride on the Santa Express costs £2 per child, with a pound of it being donated to the hospital.

Earlier last month, MHM Leisure Ltd, who had operated the facility, said: "MHM Leisure Ltd, which operated the Amazonia soft play facility in the Market Place shopping centre in Bolton, has unfortunately had to close.

"The owners, who have run the business since January 2017, have been struggling with the sharp increases in the operating costs at the same time as a reduction in customer footfall at the centre.

It is unclear who now operates the play centre.

A worker for the newly re-opened centre said: "We're very excited about it to be honest. At the end of the day, it was a very big let down for the community when it shut down.

"Now, it should thrive once the train is up and running. It will be great. Everyone on Facebook is dead excited.

"We're bringing the faith back by reopening."

The centre is currently open 10-6 Monday to Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday.

The Santa's grotto is open 10-12 Monday to Friday, 10-12 and 1-2 on a Saturday and 11-1 on a Sunday.

For more information on Amazonia and the facilities they have on offer, visit Amazonia.co.uk