A FESTIVE grotto is set to raise money for Trafford charities.

Customers of The Co-operative’s food store in Ashton on Mersey, will be able to enter into the festive spirit when Santa opens his Christmas grotto.

Santa and his elves will officially open the grotto at the Green Lane store at 10am on Saturday, December 6, as part of the village’s Christmas market day. It will then be open over the three weekends in the run up to Christmas.

Staff will help run the winter wonderland, which has been supported by local businesses, including Cheshire Portable Buildings, which donated the grotto, and B&Q, which supplied all the decorations.

Admission to the grotto is £4, which will include a visit with Father Christmas and his little helpers, a present and a letter from him.

All money raised will be donated to local charities or community groups, which will be nominated by customers.

Tina Williams, manager at the Ashton on Mersey store, said: “As a community retailer, it is vital we identify and support local organisations and charities where possible. We want to bring some festive cheer to our customers and their families, and give them a true sense of Christmas, whilst raising vital funds for community groups and local good causes.”

Santa’s grotto will open from 10am until 4pm on Saturdays, and 10am until 2pm on Sundays, on the following dates December 6, 7,13,14,20 and 21.