SANTA has arrived in his Worcester grotto and is ready to meet all the good boys and girls to find out what they want for Christmas.

Arriving on his gleaming sleigh being pulled through the city streets by a horse on Sunday, he waved at the hundreds of people who had turned out to see him go by.

After making his way along High Street joined by some of his helper elves, fairies and angels, he came to a stop at what will be his home for the next few weeks – a sparkling grotto inside the CrownGate Shopping Centre.

There was certainly no shortage of eager children waiting to meet him as the crowds got into the spirit of Christmas.

Hanna Cartright, aged seven, of Bath Road said she had been counting down the days to see him.

“I really love Christmas and I am so excited that I got to meet Santa today. I made sure I told him about what present I really want and I hope he remembers,” she said.

Joe Purdoe, aged five from Pershore said he was very happy to have spotted Santa in his sleigh.

“I love Father Christmas and I can’t wait for Christmas now,” he said.

Erica Burlace, CrownGate centre manager, said it had been a very magical day. “To see toddlers, their parents and grandparents enjoying the day is so special and makes it all worth while.” she said. “It really shows off the essence of what Christmas is about as there were just so many smiling faces here today.

“It really is the magic of Christmas that captures people and it is quite captivating. This year has probably been the most people turn up that we have ever had. There are not many things that people can come and enjoy for free.”

The grotto will be open for children to visit for free every day of the festive period, except for Mondays until Wednesday, December 23. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays Santa will be in his grotto between noon and 4pm, on Thursdays he will be there 2pm until 7pm, Saturdays 10am to 4pm and on Sundays from noon to 2pm.