Santa’s on his way to a street or centre near you

CHILDREN have the chance to meet Santa in his grotto today as part of the Evening News and Lothian Buses’ Christmas appeal.

The much-loved festive figure will be on Princes Street, between Frederick Street and The Mound, from noon until 4pm, helping to drum up funds for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation.

The Christmas appeal sees the man himself tour the Capital throughout December, stopping off at nurseries and community centres across Edinburgh, as well as key locations in the city centre, to spread a little festive cheer.

Youngsters visiting his grotto will receive a small gift, while their parents will be invited to make a donation to the charity.

All money raised will go towards buying new equipment for the Sick Kids hospital and Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, on Chalmers Street. Santa will also be visiting the Early Years Centre in Craigroyston on Tuesday, between 1pm and 2pm, following a visit to the Granton Child and Family Centre between 11am and 12pm.

Any readers wishing to brighten up Christmas for a child who is spending it at the Sick Kids can hand in presents to any Lothian Buses travel shop.