CHILDREN were filled with Christmas cheer as they enjoyed a rare glimpse of a festive fantasy world.

Father Christmas's workshop is little more than a dream for children across the world, but Furness families bore witness to the sights, smells and sounds of this magical land at the Barrow and District Disability Association's annual Christmas grotto.

For 20 years the grotto has touched the imaginations of thousands of children across the area and this year's festivities were opened earlier today by two-year-old Abigail Robertson.

Each year the association opens the grotto over the first two weekends in December and receives hundreds of visitors who come to share in the experience.

Despite the destruction caused by Storm Desmond last year, the grotto still pulled in a record-breaking 575 visitors and organisers hope this year will attract even more.

Margaret Burrow, honourary chief executive of the BDDA, said: "The main aim is to ensure that all the children have the time of their lives.

"It's about building memories and entering into their world for a little while."