SANTA'S helpers have been busy making him a cosy home from home.

Volunteers have chipped in to create a grotto in the foyer of Bowburn Community Centre, near Durham.

Despite his hectic schedule, Father Christmas will be at the Durham Road centre every day up to and including Tuesday, December 23.

The Mayor of Durham, Councillor Ray Gibbon, opened the grotto before joining the packed house of 200-plus enjoying the festive fare at the centre's pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Centre secretary Maggie Robinson said the grotto was a joint effort, with a number of local people helping to make it possible.

The centre is open daily from 9am to noon and 1.30pm to 10pm, with Santa in his grotto from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.