Excited children (and Mandy!) meet Santa in Rochdale Exchange Grotto

Amelia Ramsbottom meets Santa in the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre Grotto

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Excited children got the chance to meet Santa Claus on Saturday (3 December) at his Grotto in the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre.

Whilst Santa sat with the children and asked what they wanted for Christmas, elf Holly was busy taking photos for proud parents and handing presents to Santa.

Holly said: “The children of Rochdale have all been very good this year. I think they’ll all get what they’ve asked Santa for as they’ve all asked for something reasonable, nothing too outrageous or crazy.”

Amongst the enthusiastic children was five-year-old Willow Wilson, who was very happy to meet Santa. She didn’t know what she wanted for Christmas, so asked for him to surprise her.

Kai Coray, also five, wished for a quad bike as he had been a very good boy this year.

Amelia Ramsbottom, who’s almost two, met Santa with a big smile on her face and asked for anything Peppa Pig related. Her aunt, Keeley, said: “Amelia’s very excited to meet Santa this year.”

Three-year-old Leo Whittaker asked for anything relating to dinosaurs or cars whilst Jesse Malone, also three, was thrilled to have met Santa.

Siblings Keira and Mason Stanley, aged eight and five respectively, were eager to have their photos taken with Santa. Keira said she’d like a Malibu Barbie dollhouse, whilst Mason dreams of receiving a new bike for Christmas.

The fun didn’t stop there; one excited adult, Mandy, got her Christmas wish after jumping on Santa’s knee for a quick cuddle.

Funds raised from the Grotto will be donated to Springhill Hospice, the RSPCA and Petrus.