FESTIVE preparations are underway at a leisure centre where staff are on a mission to make Christmas magical for people of all ages.

The Spectrum Leisure and Community Centre in Willington is pulling out all of the stops this Christmas, with an action packed programme of events.

The fun will begin on Sunday, November 19, with the annual Christmas Market. Now in its fourth year, the event has gone from strength-to-strength and this year it will feature more than 50 stalls ranging from cupcakes to Christmas decorations, and lamps to wooden toys.

Spectrum volunteers have been hard at work wrapping up prizes for the tombola and fair-goers can also expect a visit from Santa between 11.30am and 1pm and 1.30pm and 3pm. The fair is open from 11am to 4pm and entry is free, although a visit to Santa costs £3.

On Saturday, December 2, Chaplins Panto Productions will stage Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the centre, with doors opening at 5.30pm for a 6pm start.

The performance, supported by County Durham Housing Group,will be followed by a family night featuring a bouncy castle and party games. Tickets are £5 per person and children under 18 months go free.

Other treats in store include a children’s Christmas party on Sunday, December 10, from 11.30am to 3.30pm. Tickets cost £5 per child including a visit to Santa. There will also be party games, bouncy castles and magic tricks.

On Tuesday, December 12, it’s the grown-up’s turn to have fun at the over 50s Christmas lunch. Spectrum and Age UK are staging the event at noon, with two or three course lunches available from £10. After lunch, guests will be entertained by school choirs and will also receive a festive treat. The event has been supported by county councillors Olwyn Gunn and Fraser Tinsley.

On Saturday, December 23, from 9am to 10am, youngsters can enjoy breakfast with Santa, priced at £6 per child.

And on Christmas Eve, from 2pm to 6pm, the festive fun will be rounded off with the Santa’s Last Stop event. Children will get to speak to Santa and enjoy a host of games and activities. Tickets cost £5 per adult and £10 per child including food and a special gift for each child.

Tickets for all of the events are now available. To book, contact 01388-747000 or slam@slamcdt.co.uk