CHRISTMAS is just days away and yesterday youngsters and their families were queuing out the door to meet Father Christmas in his magical Grotto at the Albert Halls.

Dozens of children were beaming with joy as they got to meet Santa and each received a gift as the grotto opened for the first time yesterday morning.

Among the smiling faces leaving the grotto were seven-year-old Aaliya Ali and brother Raees, aged 2, with parents Rashib Ali and Sammie Smith, from Great Lever.

Ms Smith said: "This is the first time we have come to visit Santa and they loved meeting him and getting a present.

"We have really enjoyed all the things going on in Bolton and are all looking forward to Christmas now."

Also looking forward to her first Christmas was six-months-old Bronte-Mae who had visited the grotto with dad Callum Harrison and mum Keila Redmond.

Ms Redmond said: "This was Bronte-Mae's first time meeting Father Christmas and she loved it."

Santa's Grotto is open daily from 10am, between Saturday December 8 and Christmas Eve.