A SANTA’S grotto with a twist has opened to try and make sure Christmas is special for the families who need it most.

The Santa’s Wish scheme in east Durham is aimed at getting people to visit Santa to give him presents so he can deliver them to families in need on Christmas Eve.

People can deliver presents to Santa in his grotto in Castle Dene Shopping Centre in Peterlee.

Peterlee councillor Karen Hawley came up with the idea in 2017 after seeing the poverty and deprivation in the town and the surrounding areas.

She said: “Families who struggle to make ends meet every day of the year find Christmas particularly hard to cope with and face the prospect of trying to scrape by and make do with little or nothing at all.

“Santa’s Wish aims to provide relief by delivering donations of food and toys to those who need it most. No child should have to wake up on Christmas morning to find an empty stocking.

“We just want to keep Christmas magical for those who often do without.”

Last year, Santa’s Wish was able to brighten up the festive season for 121 families, including 285 children, 167 adults, 39 dogs and 11 cats.

Following the success, organisers are calling on local residents to help their neighbours who might be struggling to keep the magic alive this year, by donating toys, food, toiletries and money, which will be used to buy toys, to the cause.

The project receives the addresses of local families in need from referrals via social services, One Point centres and schools.

Cllr Hawley added: “Delivering the gifts last year was one of the most humbling things any one of us has ever done.

“The tearful thanks from parents and looks on the children’s faces was what really made all of the effort worthwhile.”

Santa’s Wish Shop has opened its doors to the public and is urging residents to donate new, or nearly new, items to Upper Yoden Way, Peterlee.

As well as offering the chance to meet Santa, the updated grotto also has a Santa’s letter box, sweet jars and cones, memory baubles and reindeer dust.

The team will also be raising extra funds for the project through a raffle with donations from organisations like Halfords, Harvey Nichols, Waitrose and Marstons, plus lots of other prizes donated by councillors and volunteers.

Santa will be available to accept donations Monday-Saturday between 11am and 3pm, until Saturday December 22.

More information about the scheme is available by visiting the Santa’s Wish Facebook page.