A GHOULISH grotto, where Santa Claus has given way to the red-cloaked Prince of Darkness, has been opened at a tourist attraction.

While Father Christmas has taken centre stage at shopping centres across the region, York Dungeon is offering a spooky alternative to the traditional festive scenes.

Visitors to the attraction, in Clifford Street, will be greeted by a pair of sadistic snowmen, while Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer has been slain and his head mounted on the wall as a trophy.

Youngsters brave enough to perch on the knee of Satan Claws are also offered the chance to try a yucky dip.

Dungeon boss Helen Douglas said: "We just aim to bring a bit of light relief and offer somewhere for shoppers to escape the never-ending onslaught of adverts and jingle bells."

But the concept has been criticised elsewhere by religious groups, who fear it promotes devil worship.

Satan's Grotto, launched on Saturday at Edinburgh Dungeon, was condemned by Church of Scotland convenor Jim Cowie, who urged parents to keep their children away.

Organisers, however, insisted the grotto was only there to give people a break from the torture of Christmas shopping.