THE ELVES have been busy in Bicester building a magical Santa's Grotto bursting with toys and tinsel for the festive countdown.

Four-year-old Luca Steptoe from Caversfield was lucky enough to get up close with one of Santa's reindeer as he went to meet Santa himself.

Children in the town are invited to head along to Bicester Avenue, the garden centre off Oxford Road, to explore Santa's Grotto.

Father Christmas will stop off to hear all about who has been naught or nice this year and youngsters can tell him what's on their wish list this year.

The centre has staged a mystical backdrop to the festive grotto with snow-drenched fir trees and a dusting of snow leading children to Santa's door.

The grotto opened on Saturday, November 12, as Santa arrived in his sleigh lead by his trusty reindeer.

A pack of huskies also pitched up to welcome children and there were lots of children's rides also.

The grotto will now be in place until Christmas Eve and tickets are £8 per child and includes a special present from Santa himself.

It is open every weekend in November and then daily during December.

For more information on opening days and times see wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/christmas-grottos