MORE than 200 children were welcomed through the doors of a town grotto which returned to delight visitors for the festive period.

For the first two weekends of December, the Barrow and District Disability Association (BDDA) has been transformed into Santa’s grotto for the delight of hundreds of children. For more than 20 years the BDDA has been Bringing Christmas joy, not only to disabled children and their families, but the entire Barrow community.

And this year was no different, with 202 children and adults attending festivities at the weekend.

The BDDA’s benefactor Peter Schofield opened the event along with his daughter Fern and new granddaughter Oaklyn.

Margaret Burrow, honorary chief executive of the BDDA, said: “Parents stated they liked the new set up because the children can stay in their buggies or walk in like their siblings.

“The workshop had a good many children in wheelchairs attending which they were delighted that they too could reach Father Christmas too. Our Willow Tree cafe served lots of goodies and the soup certainly warmed them after being in town enjoying lots of festive activities available.

“The little train running down Dalton Road brought a lot of pleasure to the children even though the weather was very cold.”

The grotto will be reopening this weekend on Saturday from 10am-3pm, and again from 5pm-6pm. The final session will take place on Sunday between 10am-3pm.