A SANTA’S grotto has been built by volunteers at the Civic Hall in Stanley.

Peter and Louise Burns have been working on the project in a rehearsal room as part of the town’s festive celebrations.

It will be officially unveiled with live reindeer on Sunday November 16 and will be open every Saturday from November 29 until Christmas.

Civic Hall manager Claire Howe said: “Peter and his wife Louise are two fantastic people. Peter’s step dad, Ged, is our senior caretaker, and that is how Peter got involved with the Civic in the first place.

“For several months Peter and Louise have donated many hours of their time to the Civic Hall, but in particular designed and build the Grotto with Ged.

“I am very grateful to them both and could not have done this project without them.”

Stanley Town Council has allocated £10,000 from its budget for this year’s seasonal celebrations, which includes a carol service on December 14 and a party for the elderly the day after.

The lighting of the Christmas tree is expected to be on November 28, but plans are yet to be confirmed.

Council clerk Derek Shingleton said: “The council hopes that it is able to provide a Christmas to remember for the people of Stanley.”