YOUNGSTERS can meet Santa and Rudolph when they make a VIP appearance at a Witham shopping centre.

Father Christmas is at the Grove shopping centre for the next three Saturdays in the run-up to the big day itself.

Visitors can meet him and receive an early Christmas present for a £1 donation between 9am and 4pm.

This Saturday will also see the Big Sing getting in the festive spirit at the Grove as they perform carols around the Farleigh Hospice Christmas tree from 12noon.

All funds will be donated to local charities and good causes.

And on December 21, Father Christmas will be joined by his famous reindeer, who are flying in from the North Pole to meet families from 11am until 3pm.

Centre manager Adrian Gillings said: “We’re delighted to announce Father Christmas will be arriving here at the Grove this December, meeting the families of Witham and spreading festive cheer."