Local bakery offers free Santa's grotto sessions for all children

A bakery in Birmingham is holding free Santa's grotto sessions to make sure children can still see Father Christmas this festive season.

Lil's Parlour in Northfield, Birmingham, operates as a 'pay-what-you-can' café meaning people can choose how much of a donation they make for cakes and drinks.

Lucy Scott is the owner and has made it her mission that no child gets life out of enjoying the Christmas tradition.

Lucy said: "This year has been so difficult for so many people, and I just wanted to give them something to celebrate at the end of the year.

"When I was a child, seeing Santa was a core memory and I remember being really excited and looking at the cost of grotto's it can be nearly one hundred pounds for a family of four. So, I thought I'm going to give people the opportunity to come and see Santa for free this year."

The grotto sold out within half an hour of slots going live and it's expected around 480 children will be attending.

Lucy said; "I really do hope it makes a difference for people.

"There's definitely a demand for services like this and I hope those children have a great time."

The whole event was organised by Lucy and a team of volunteers to put on the grotto. Also, if families are unable to attend in person, free Santa Zoom calls are being made available.

All free grotto sessions are running until December 21.