FAMILIES and friends are invited to celebrate the magic of Christmas as Santa arrives at a children's hospice.

Grace's Place in Radcliffe, run by the charity Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, will be taken over by food, craft and gift stalls for the festive occasion.

'Light up Grace's Place' will feature a Christmas light switch on, classic fairground games, food stalls, and even Santa Claus in his grotto. Visitors will also be invited to join in with a selection of carols.

Helen Latham, senior fundraiser at Grace’s Place, said: “What better way to celebrate the magic of Christmas than to enjoy some festive fun with friends and family in an amazing place that’s making ready to support local families to share their own magical moments and make precious memories that will last forever.

"For me, this event is also a brilliant way to show our appreciation to the local community — the people, groups and businesses without whose support we simply wouldn’t be here today."

Forget Met Not Children's Hospice has begun providing a hospice at home service for families across Bury, Rochdale and Oldham, and is hoping to open up the building in Dumers Lane by the end of this year.

At the Christmas fair on Saturday, December 1, guests will be invited to look around the hospice, which features a sensory room, colourful hub and bedrooms.

The fair will open at 2pm.