A SANTA’S Grotto is to be created in Hexham in aid of a North-East children’s charity.

Cheryl Alexander, the owner of Top Tan Hexham, in Market Place, will transform a vacant room in the building into a festive base for Father Christmas to raise funds for Metro Radio’s Mission Christmas Cash for Kids.

Children will be invited to meet St Nick at the grotto on weekends in December in the run-up to Christmas.

The grotto will be open on December 1, and every Friday and Saturday throughout the month until the weekend commencing December 21. It will also be open on Christmas Eve until 2pm.

The vacant room will be split into two; one for the grotto and the other half for children to design Christmas cards and make festive crafts.

Cheryl is looking for donations from local businesses to purchase gifts to give to children, as well as going towards the cost to cover crafts and refreshments for guests.

She said: “I am looking for as many businesses to help me fulfill this charitable event and raise as much money for Mission Christmas Cash for Kids.

“Let’s make it a Christmas to remember for local children that wake with nothing.”

Top Tan Hexham has also registered as a toy and cash donation point, with the final donation on December 20.