FATHER Christmas has opened his grotto at Boscombe’s Sovereign Shopping Centre.

People will be able to meet him on selected dates up until December 23.

The grotto is organised and manned by Westbourne Rotary and community volunteers working in cooperation with the Sovereign Centre with support from Coastal Bid.

A spokesperson for Westbourne Rotary said: “Take a tour of the winter wonderland, stop for a photo in Santa's sleigh, wait for Santa’s elf to take you to see Santa and choose a present from those on display, before continuing through winter wonderland to the exit.”

Visits to see Santa and choose a present from his display cost £8 per child.

All children must be accompanied by an adult, however, is no charge for the accompanying adult who is able to take their own photos of their own children.

Proceeds will be donated to Bournemouth Food Bank, Safe & Sound Dorset, We are Humans, and other local Rotary supported charities and causes.

Santa’s grotto is open between 10am and 5pm on December 7, 14, 20 21, and 23 and from 10am to 3pm on December 8, 15 and 22.

To book a visit in advance, see westbournerotary.org.uk.