Santa stops off for a shopping trip in resort

It’s his busiest time of year but even Santa Claus needs somewhere to shop in time for delivering presents at Christmas.

Santa will be arriving at Houndshill Shopping Centre on December 3, following a sleigh ride around the town centre where everyone is encouraged to take part, before settling into his grotto where he can be found every Saturday and the week leading up to Christmas.

The parade starts at 10am on Coronation Street and will go around the outside of the Houndshill where members of the Radio Wave Street Team will be handing out treats to children along the way.

Santa’s arrival will kick-off a season of events at the shopping centre in the run up to the big day, including give-aways, competitions and some special guests.

Children also have the chance to post their letters to Santa with the help of Houndshill’s own North pole direct postal service.

The post box will be located on the main mall and children can post their letters up until December 21.

Children should include their name and address so that Santa can write back to them.

Houndshill have been working with Rotary Blackpool South to raise awareness for local worthy causes, including Blood Bikes, the North West Air Ambulance and the RNLI.

The Rotary Blackpool South has been part of one of the world’s largest services organisation Rotary International for 64 years and its volunteers are always looking to identify opportunities to put something back into the community.

President-elect Eric Hind said: “We are so grateful to Houndshill Shopping Centre for their support.

“This is a great example of communities working together here in the resort.”

Debbs Lancelott, manager of Houndshill Shopping Centre, said: “We feel really privileged to be working with the Rotary and very excited to welcome Santa to the centre on his sleigh.

“We realise he is a very busy man this time of year but it’s great he can spare the time to set up his grotto before he delivers his presents.”

Houndshill is open for late-night shopping every Thursday in December until 9pm .

And parking costs £1 after 5pm.