A CHRISTMAS grotto has been declared open.

Santa Claus landed at Churchill Square Shopping Centre in Brighton on Friday to open the Sense of Christmas grotto. Guided by elves, visitors can enjoy a jolly journey through reindeer stables and will be offered treats in Mrs Claus’ kitchen, before meeting Father Christmas himself.

Mark Buchanan-Smith, centre director at Churchill Square said: “The levels of fun for our festive activity have been taken to all-new heights. We hope everyone has a brilliant time with Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves.”

The grotto will be open every day until 4pm on Christmas Eve, with an autism-friendly session on Sunday, December 15 between noon and 1pm. Tickets are priced at £7 each for children under the age of 16.

To book tickets, go to www.churchillsquare.com.