A Santa’s grotto, which last year raised over £23,000 for a local children’s charity, is setting its sights even higher for 2019.

Tickets have gone on sale for this year’s mammoth Toy Factory at South Downs Nurseries in Hassocks. The grotto will be open until Christmas Eve. Visiting children will meet some new helpers in the factory alongside some new animated displays.

The event, run by The Budding Foundation, will fundraise for local charitable projects – as all profits from ticket sales go to these causes. Among the recipients last Christmas were gardening and conservation projects with several local schools and clubs, as well as respite care and equipment for disabled youngsters. Smaller grants included school uniform assistance, educational laptops and course fees for young people trying to turn their lives around.

Clive Gravett, founder of The Budding Foundation, said: “We are hoping to raise more than £40,000 this year from grotto ticket sales at two sites (Hassocks and Dial Post) and other associated Christmas activities. We are also looking for more volunteer elves, so if anyone can spare a few hours or even a few days over the Christmas period, please get in touch.”

For more information and to book tickets, contact the charity via: www.thebuddingfoundation.co.uk