Santa's grotto cancelled at Hartlepool shopping centre - but Round Table offers personal video calls with your children

Santa Claus arriving at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre last year.

Middleton Grange shopping centre has reluctantly been forced not to have a Santa’s Grotto because of the ongoing health situation.

And Hartlepool Round Table has had to cancel its popular Santa Tour when Father Christmas and his elves ride around the town over several nights when he stops and chats to excited youngsters.

But the round table has come up with a way for youngsters to speak to the man in red by organising personal video calls.

Santa speaking to children on his tour of Hartlepool last year. This year he will make personalised calls through Hartlepool Round Table.

Middleton Grange manager Mark Rycraft said he was very sorry the grotto and Father Christmas’s grand arrival, which attracts hundreds of people, cannot go ahead this year.

He said: “Santa’s parade has become an essential part of the start of Christmas for Middleton Grange Hartlepool.

"We worked with Miles for Men last year who did a stunning job and ran the grotto.

"But for obvious reasons it’s not possible this year and safety must come first. With our Giving Tree gift appeal and other initiatives we hope we can make Christmas fun but in different ways.”

Likewise, Hartlepool Round Table said the tour would not be responsible as it sees thousands of people turn out on the streets.

Treasurer Paul Thompson said: “We’re really disappointed that we can’t do what we normally would but everyone’s safety is our priority.”

But families can book a personalised video call with Santa from his secret grotto in the North Pole from Sunday, December 6, to Wednesday, December 9.

Hartlepool Round Table said: “He will talk to your child personally in the warm comfort of your own home. No queues, no cold but an alternative experience in your little one’s childhood.”

Santa will also send a personalised letter to every child he speaks to. Calls are limited to 800 and around half have been booked so far.

There is a £5 donation charge with all proceeds to be donated to local good causes by Hartlepool Round Table.

To book your child’s call go to the website hartlepoolroundtable.co.uk

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