A WEST Marsh wonderful winter wonderland is spreading Christmas joy.
Staff and volunteers at the West Marsh Community Centre, Beeson Street, Grimsby, opened their doors to the biggest ever winter wonderland charity event in the area.
The three-day event, which finishes today, includes stalls of handmade crafts, a winter wonderland display and chance to meet Santa in his grotto.
Centre manager Neil Barber said: "This has been in the pipeline since April.
"Although the fundraising event for the centre is on for three days, the winter wonderland will be here until Sunday, December 23.
"It is great to do something like this for the community and we are expecting more than 600 people to come and see what we have created.
"Anyone is welcome to come along and join in with the Christmas spirit."
Many people attended the opening of the winter wonderland, including special guest St Nicholas from Konigswinter, Germany, who is on his annual visit to the area.
He said: "I am here on my traditional visit – I have been coming to the area since the 80s.
"This year I have brought German sweets and gingerbread.
"I will also be visiting primary schools and the elderly over the next few days. It is like coming home because I have a lot of friends in the area."
The mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Mike Burton, said: "It has taken a year for the co-ordinators to plan for this winter wonderland.
"A lot of effort and hard work has gone into this event.
"It brings Christmas spirit to an area where community is really important.
"The excellent facilities here have helped to bring friendly faces together over the festive period."
Many of the crafts on sale were made by residents in the area.
Knitter Rita Weare of Gilbey Road, Grimsby, said: "I have been visiting the centre for the past seven years and the people here are such good company, and I would encourage others like me who live alone to come along.
"People have worked really hard, and everyone, particularly the children, are so impressed with the event."
Retired resident Christine Hollowday added: "I have been visiting the centre for the past two years teaching t'ai chi.
"The organisers and volunteers have made such a huge effort to make this Christmas event the biggest we have had.
"I help run the local Over 50's Club, and we have been preparing the handmade crafts here on our stall since July."
See more about Christmas events in Grimsby and northern Lincolnshire
