THE MAYOR of Newport officially opened Santa’s Grotto at Kingsway Centre in Newport on Saturday morning.

Cllr Cliff Suller started the Christmas festivities by declaring Santa available for all children to visit from now until December 24.

Parents and children that came to watch were treated to a musical performance from the Newport Philharmonic choir who demonstrated their repertoire of songs.

There were also 10 members of staff from Lloyds TSB present as part of their ongoing community project.

The grotto will be open from 11am to 4pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on a Saturday.

It costs £4 for children to visit Santa and receive a gift. It will be an additional £2 for a photograph with Santa.

All money raised is donated to St David’s Hospice Care – a charity that provides a free and comprehensive care service to people and families suffering life-threatening illnesses throughout Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen and Monmouthshire.

Kris Broome, of St David’s Hospice Care said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to the centre for choosing us to be the beneficiary of these proceeds.

“It’s a lovely grotto and it’ll be great for children to visit and see Santa. There were a steady flow of children for the opening and hopefully it will get even better as people get into the festive spirit.”