BRIDGWATER shoppers are officially in the festive spirit, after the town’s shopping centre opened its Christmas grotto in aid of two deserving charities.

Until Friday, December 23, parents and their children have been invited to Angel Place Shopping Centre, as Santa and his elves swap the North Pole for the centre’s very own winter wonderland to raise money for Marie Curie and Elliot’s Touch.

Santa’s Grotto will be open at Angel Place from 10am to 2pm every weekend before Christmas and open every day between Monday, December 19 and Friday, December 23.

Roger Smith, Angel Place Shopping Centre manager, said the launch of the grotto officially marked the start of the Christmas festivities at the shopping centre.

“We are really excited to have Santa back at Angel Place for another year,” he said.

“Last year was a huge success with shoppers raising more than £1500 for Marie Curie and Elliot’s Touch through the grotto, so we thought it was the perfect opportunity to continue our fundraising for these two fantastic charities.”

Elliot’s Touch was formed in 2015, in memory of one-year-old Elliot Stevens who suffered from a heart condition named Mitochondrial Disease and Childhood Cardiomyopathy and Marie Curie, which was founded in 1948, is dedicated to providing care and support for those living with a terminal illness.

“All the funds raised from the grotto will be halved and go to each charity, so we are encouraging Bridgwater families to come along for a brilliant visit with Santa and show their support for Marie Curie and Elliot’s Touch.”

*From Saturday, November 26 to Friday, December 23, youngsters will be able to visit Santa between 10am and 2pm at Angel Place Shopping Centre for £2, including a gift.