John Lewis's Cheltenham store will once again be installing its popular annual festive grotto this December.

Families can find Santa and his elves spreading Christmas cheer with stories, sweet treats and goody bags for little ones.

Half of all funds raised from the Grotto will go to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, which provides expert and compassionate palliative care to people living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families.

On the 10th, 11th and 17th December, Santa and his elves can be found in the Grotto at the John Lewis Cheltenham store. Tickets are priced at £15 each for a 45-minute slot, with half of the proceeds going to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Children will be read a festive story by Santa himself and leave with a goody bag, including a book, Christmas-themed colouring and a cookie. The children who are visiting can also bring a letter for Santa that includes their Christmas list, which they can read with him, and afterwards post in his letter box back to the North Pole!

Olivia Moore, partner and events marketing co-ordinator at John Lewis Cheltenham, said: "We are thrilled to have Santa and his elves back at the John Lewis Grotto this December, to spread lots of Christmas cheer - and at the same time, raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

"Christmas is a very special time of year, but it can be a difficult time for those with loved ones in hospice care - so we are grateful to be able to contribute through this year's Grotto."

Alysia Cameron-Price, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: "Christmas is such a special time of year for families, and we are very excited for Santa's Grotto to return to the John Lewis store in Cheltenham.

"So many of us think of John Lewis and their iconic TV ads when we think of Christmas, so their support at this time of year is hugely appreciated. The funds raised will go such a long way in helping our staff to continue providing even more expert and compassionate care."

To book, simply visit the Experience Desk in store at 123 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 1DQ or email experiencedesk.cheltenham@johnlewis.co.uk  with your name, a contact number and the number of children you wish to book. Please add 'Storytime with Santa' to the subject and a member of the John Lewis team will then call to arrange the booking.

Find out more about Sue Ryder at sueryder.org