Free Santa's grotto for struggling families inundated

Father Christmas and two helpers welcomed families over two days to help them get into the festive spirit

A business owner says it has been "absolutely insane" that he has welcomed more than 1,000 people to a free Santa's grotto to help them with the cost of living crisis.

Phil Lyman, who runs Driftwood Vintage Furniture in Northampton, said as one of seven children, he wanted to help those in financial difficulty as he knows visiting a grotto can cost "an absolute fortune".

"It's a magical thing that starts the Christmas season and I just wanted the magic to be recreated to families of five or six, who're struggling to pay for these grottos."

Next year he plans to hold the festive event over more days.

Phil Lyman having a much needed sit down in the Santa's grotto he created

For two days, the event that cost Mr Lyman £1,000, took place at his furniture business.

About 600 people turned up on the first day making him feel "fantastic", he said.

It was held last year but numbers were "massively up [this year] and I'm sure that's to do with the fact people don't have as much money as they used to have.

"Absolutely insane is the only way I can describe it.

"I'm one of seven kids and if my mum was going to take me to a Santa's grotto now it would cost an absolute fortune.

"With photos at £8 each and entry up to £20, my mum would just not be able to do this for us."

Santa had a very busy two days in his grotto

Mr Lyman said it was his way of giving "something back to the community".

Santa's grotto visits in Northamptonshire can cost anything from £6 to £20.

There was no cost to see Father Christmas but there was a donation pot if anyone wanted to contribute, Mr Lyman added.

You could post letters to Santa at the event