THE magic of Christmas will cost a little less this year, thanks to The Brunel shopping centre, which is providing free visits to Santa in his grotto.

The town centre-based shopping centre welcomed Santa and his elves when the grotto opened last weekend and have already seen a steady stream of visitors.

Jane Stewart, marketing manager at The Brunel, said: “We know that Christmas can be an expensive time for families so this year we are pleased to be able to offer children a free visit to Santa plus a small free present.

"We know this will be welcomed by families and it’s already proving to be very popular.”

The grotto is upstairs in The Brunel Plaza, between Boots and Marks and Spencer.

Santa will be available to see children from noon to 7pm today to coincide with the big Christmas lights switch-on and at various times up until Christmas Eve from 10am-3pm.

Opening times vary each day so visit the centre’s website at www.thebrunel.co.uk. Visits to Santa can be pre-booked via the website.

For those who would like to have a photograph taken with Santa There will be an opportunity to purchase a photograph with Santa and an alternative present too.

A free 'Santa Mail' service is also operating in the centre this year. Complete your letter to Santa, add your name and address and post in the Santa Mail post box at the entrance to the grotto. Last posting day is Friday, December 18.

Once again The Brunel is supporting charity Christmas Care where children can donate their pocket money in return for a small sack of magic and sparkle Reindeer Food.

All donations go to the charity, which looks after the homeless and lonely at Christmas, and special reindeer food is available from the picnic basket by the grotto.