SANTA Claus has taken time out from toy making to open his Christmas grotto at Stretford Mall, which will raise money for a children’s hospice.

Excited children, parents and grandparents arrived early as the grotto opened on November 16, with youngsters keen to give Santa their wish lists.

In the grounds of his grotto is a winter wonderland wishing well and all the coins thrown in this year will go towards Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Colin McCrory, Stretford Mall manager, explained: “For some years now, we have had a wishing well as part of the wonderland surrounding Santa’s grotto and people have always found a coin and made a Christmas wish.

“We have always put the money to good use by donating it to charity and this year we would like Francis House to benefit from it.

“Stretford Mall is looking fantastically festive this year and Santa’s grotto always creates such a magical atmosphere.

“With such a great range of shops, including New Look, W H Smith, Clarks, Peacocks, Iceland, Tesco and Boots, Christmas shopping is a must with Stretford Mall.”

The Stretford Mall grotto is open Thursday through to Sunday in the run up to Christmas from 10 am to 5 pm and also Monday December 23 from 10 am to 5 pm and Tuesday December 24 from 10 am to 4 pm.

There will also be late night shopping every Thursday and Friday until 8 pm in the run up to the big day.