DOZENS of West Somerset families saw Christmas come early when Santa brought his grotto and elves to The Hub, in Minehead.

Magna Housing invited local families to go along and meet Santa, marking a start to the festive season.

Children had an opportunity to chat with Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and take home a special gift.

Every child also received an extra present to open on Christmas Day.

Alongside the grotto, families enjoyed refreshments, fun activities, and a warm welcome.

The event was a huge success with more than 55 families attending, and Santa chatted to 113 excited children.

One parent said: “Thank you so much for another wonderful Santa experience.

“My daughter absolutely loved it, as did I.

“Thank you.”

Another said: “Santa was funny and very knowledgeable when the children were asking about different toys and games.

“The cakes, biscuits, and drinks were a lovely touch, too.”

Magna customer and community involvement officer Neil Bliss, who had invited Santa, said: “A heartfelt thank you to everybody who helped make these events so special.

“Together, we have brought a little of the magic of Christmas to our communities and had a lot of fun along the way, too.”

The housing association’s festive event was made possible with support from a number of local partners and businesses, including Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, CJ Lynch and Sons, Dartmoor Tree Surgeons, First Fit Windows, Fusion Occupational Health, G and A Commercials, GW Electrical Distributors, HC Lewis and Co Ltd, Kevin Heaphy Building and Surveying Services Ltd, MRI Real Estate Software, Ramps For Access, South West Roofing Training Group, and Tozers.

Magna provides affordable homes across Dorset and Somerset, owning and managing about 8,500 properties, and has a workforce of about 450 people.

A spokesperson said: “Our vision is to create great homes together, working closely with customers and partners.”