Preston Santa needs a body double!

Must be jolly, good with children, look good in a red suit, be partial to a mince pie and be available to work (volunteer) in the run up to Christmas.

A white beard, large waist and experience of handling reindeer would be advantageous.

That’s what a Preston charity needs this Christmas to make its grotto a success – some Santa “body doubles”.

In fact, Galloway’s Society for the Blind, which operates the Santa’s Grotto in St George’s Shopping Centre, is also on the lookout for some volunteer elves.

The charity has operated the grotto in the centre for many years, but this year really need some additional volunteers to help it meet demand.

The grotto, which opens on Saturday, November 26, is free to enter but donations will be appreciated by Galloway’s to help it to support more local blind and partially sighted people live an independent life.

Wilf Holden, 71, from 
Fulwood, Preston, has been a Santa body-double for 
the past three years and is encouraging other to come forward and offer their time to help.

He said: “Christmas is all about the season of goodwill and that’s just one of the many reasons I’ve given up my time for the past three years to support Galloway’s Grotto.

“It’s always great to see a smile on a child’s face after they’ve been to see Santa – and at the same time I know I’m helping the charity too.”

Emma Russ, senior fundraiser at Galloway’s, said: “Creating magical moments for children on the run up to Christmas these past few years has been great fun and we’ve raised thousands of pounds each year.”

The Galloway’s grotto will run every weekend until December 11.