WOOLWORTHS in Kidderminster is aiming to break its own record by doubling the size of its Christmas grotto - the world's biggest.

The grotto, which last year measured 14,080 cu ft and featured a 178 ft long winding pathway through five themed zones and an artificial snow tunnel, found its way into the Guinness Book of Records when it kept growing after an appeal for a mirror ball in the Shuttle/Times and News.

And Wyre Forest children's charities are being urged to apply for a share of the money raised by this year's grotto - but they will have to help run it.

Woolworths donated £5,061 raised last year between Kidderminster Junior PHAB, the Royal British Legion Junior Youth Band and Franche First and Alexander Patterson schools.

The store hopes to recruit five charities this Christmas to help run the grotto, which is being extended to include animated penguins, gnomes, huskies and snowmen, through December.

Any charities interested in linking up with the store should write to Woolworths at 1 Worcester Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 2EB.