A care home welcomed local school children to meet Santa in a special event.

To spread festive cheer, Ancasta Grove care home in Sarisbury Green created a Santa's Grotto and invited children from Sarisbury Infant School to meet Mr Claus.

The grotto, built over three days, featured a Christmas tree, candy canes, presents, lights, and a snow machine. Staff at the care home dressed as Santa's elves, while volunteer David Woodley took on the role of Santa.

Frances Weaver, a resident at Ancasta Grove, said: "I love seeing the children’s faces at Christmas, it brings me great joy to see them so happy."

Audrey Chiduku, home manager at Ancasta Grove, added: "Here at Ancasta Grove, we’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we were delighted to open our doors to children from Sarisbury Infant School to enjoy our Christmas grotto.

"The idea behind the grotto was to bring the outside in, particularly for those residents who are less mobile and unable to see the Christmas displays in shops and garden centres at this time of year. It is also becoming more expensive for parents to take their children to see Santa, so we wanted to ensure no child missed out this year.

"It was a wonderful chance to bring people together to get into the Christmas spirit and build new friendships – which is exactly what Christmas is all about. Santa’s workshop certainly brought a sprinkling of seasonal magic to Ancasta Grove."

Residents also joined in, wearing festive clothes to celebrate the occasion.