FATHER Christmas at Kendals has spent the last four years tending his reindeer.

Now Brian Redshaw from The Triangle, Timperley, is back in a glorious new grotto - a snowy fairy light lit forest. It costs just £8.50 to see him including a suitable present.

He told two-year-old Lewis, on holiday from Dunfermline, that he should put out carrots for his reindeer and a mince pie for him. Lewis was in awe of everything.

“One child didn’t understand how my reindeer had eaten his carrot but was too big to get down the chimney. I told him I took it to Rudolph and then brought it back,” said Brian.

“Some children are present-orientated usually wanting electronic toys. I try to tell them that at Christmas they should be kind to everyone.”

“They are not herded in like cattle. Each gets four or five minutes of my time.”

For £10.00 extra they can have an 8” x 8” photo taken by elf Bernie Urbani, one of three.

“It is wonderful to watch the kids have fun. I love them and I love my job,” he said.

Store Manager, Ann Latham said: “Six members of my visual team constructed the grotto. Each year we add to it so this year it took just three weeks.

“All the profits go to Salford Action for Children. It supports disadvantaged 11 – 17 year olds”

“It is lovely to see the children’s little faces when they tell me about it.

“My management team call me Mother Christmas.”

After seven years, the store has brought back Hamleys to sell toys.

* Santa Claus is at Kendals in Deansgate until Christmas Eve. You can have breakfast with Santa for £18 bookable in advance.