FATHER Christmas and his elves delighted families in the Horsefair last weekend, with more than 250 children visiting his grotto.

The event on Saturday (December 3) was organised by Horsefair and Proud – a community group who are working to restore the area and develop projects that will benefit the local community.

The Christmas-themed event was the first of its kind in the Horsefair and included the Salvation Army Band, a tombola and stalls, hot food, Santa’s grotto, information about the Big Local DY10 Weavers’ Cottages and a photo opportunity on the Museum of Carpet’s ‘Magic Carpet’.

There was also chance to sing Christmas carols led by Reverend Nigel Taylor and participate in traditional songs written about the Weavers’ Cottages with Heather Wastie.

Youngsters from St Mary’s Primary School decorated the tree with hand-made decorations.

Eighty-five-year-old twin brothers Harold and Joe Calder, who have lived and worked in the area for decades, were the guests of honour and switched the lights on for the Christmas tree and horse statue at 4pm.

Dawn Anglin, chair of Horsefair and Proud, said: “Harold and Joe Calder are true Horsefair and proud people – they epitomise the spirit of the Horsefair, hard-working, with a love for the community.

“We want to build on events like Saturday and give everyone who lives in the Horsefair a reason to be proud.”

Photos taken in Santa’s grotto will be available on the ‘Horsefair and Proud’ Facebook page, as well as the winners of the raffle prizes.