Father Christmas will arrive at Dunmail Park in Workington later this month, accompanied by a parade of Christmas stilt walkers and tap-dancing turkeys.

The event, at 4pm on Friday November 30, marks the launch of Santa's Grotto, which has been a fixture of the shopping centre for more than 20 years.

Children up to the age of 11 can compete for the chance to officially open the grotto with Santa by designing a Christmas tree.

Simply draw and decorate a tree on A4 paper and send it to Dunmail Park Shopping Centre, c/o PMW Communications,

Stane Court, Stane Street, Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 9HP by Friday.

The winner will also receive £100 worth of toys from Toy Town in the centre and a £100 towards art supplies for their primary school.

The launch event will also feature festive games and Christmas music.

Children will be able to visit the grotto and tell their Christmas wishes to Father Christmas.

Donald Dixon, managing director of J Dixon & Son Ltd, which owns Dunmail Park, said: "It’s a magical time of the year for families and we hope our fun-packed event will help everyone get into the festive spirit.”

Santa's Grotto will open from 10.30am and 6pm every Saturday and 11am and 4pm every Sunday until Christmas. It will also open between 1pm and 6pm on Friday, December 21, and between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Christmas Eve.

The grotto costs £3 to visit and every child will receive a gift.