FAMILIES in Chirk can now get into the festive spirit by booking a visit to Santa’s Grotto at the town’s garden centre.

Dobbies Garden Centre, in Moreton Park, is taking bookings for guests wishing to meet Father Christmas this year.

And this year, the site will be one of 50 stores across the UK, which will have Quiet Grottos.

Working in partnership with Autism Together, there will be Santa visits which are supportive of children with additional needs, considering sound and visual elements, and helping to minimise anxiety.

Michelle Walklett, head of Autism Together’s autism training and advisory service, said: “As a specialist UK charity supporting autistic people, we’re pleased to be working with Dobbies in Moreton Park to help enhance their Christmas Grotto experience for visitors with autism and other sensory needs.

“Through this partnership, we’ll also be delivering autism awareness training for Santa and all his elves and helpers in time for the festive season.”

Little ones visiting the Moreton Park grotto will be able to walk through the outdoor woodland, spotting Christmas characters along the way before being welcomed by Santa and receiving a special gift.

For those looking to create a lasting memory, a photo can be purchased.

At Santa’s Breakfast, families will be able to enjoy a Dobbies breakfast, which includes breakfast options for adults and children, followed by fun games and a visit from Santa with a special gift for each child.

This event is suited to families with children aged 10 and under.

Sarah Murray, partnership and events manager at Dobbies, is glad to be able to offer families an opportunity to make memories.

She added: “There truly is nothing more magical than Christmas for a child and our range of events helps to bring the season to life for all the family.”

Dobbies’ Moreton Park Christmas events are available to view online, with customers requested to book in advance.

Also new for 2021 is the opportunity to add a donation to the price of an event ticket, for Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Bookings can be made online at https://www.dobbies.com/events