CROWDS of families flocked to a Barrow community centre to visit the hugely popular Christmas grotto which had been transformed into a Winter Wonderland for Santa and his elves.

Barrow and District Disability Association’s office in School street welcomed hundreds of children and their families who turned up to sing Christmas songs with Nanny Elf, and catch a glimpse of their favourite festive figure.

For the first two weekends of December, the BDDA transforms itself into Santa’s grotto for the delight of hundreds of children.

For 20 years the BDDA has been bringing Christmas joy, not only to disabled children and their families, but the entire Barrow community.

Margaret Burrow, Honorary Chief Executive of the BDDA, described the tradition as the ‘most rewarding part of Christmas time’.

She said: “We all work so hard in the weeks and months preceding the opening of the grotto to make it as special for the children as possible.

“A team of people work hard behind the scenes to make sure the children have a fabulous time because it’s something they remember for the rest of their lives.

“The children who started coming when we first opened the grotto have started bringing their own children so it’s a really special time for us all.”

The grotto is specifically designed to cater for children with a host of various needs.

“As well as being a place to visit Santa, the grotto includes different sounds and smells to help children with sensory problems,” Mrs Burrow said.

“We have frankincense, myrrh, lights and music which all adds to the experience.

“It’s just the most amazing feeling to watch the children’s faces light up as they walk in.”

Ludy Ferguson has brought along her three-year-old son, Archie, to the grotto since he was born.

She said: “The grotto is absolutely brilliant.

“We’ve been coming here since Archie was born and think it’s just magical for him.

“His face lights up when we walk in.

“It’s the best place in town.”

Tracy and Keith Clark visited the grotto for the first time with their four children.

Mrs Clark said: “This is the first time we’ve been and we’re shocked how gorgeous it is.

“This is what Christmas time is all about, being with friends and family.

“It’s just a lovely day out for the whole family.”

Nathan Garnett also brought along his eight-year-old daughter, Olivia, to visit Father Christmas at the grotto.

Olivia said: “I’ve had lots of fun, I really enjoyed the colouring.

“I enjoyed seeing Santa too.”

Mrs Burrow said without the help and generosity of the dozens of volunteers and businesses who chip in with support the event would never take place.

“Peter Schofield has helped fund the event which we’re all so grateful for. Thank you to everyone who has helped us make this happen.”