A LOCAL community came together to celebrate the Christmas period.

Residents at the Pen y Llan flats in Connah's Quay organised the Santa's Grotto for the second year to give children the opportunity to meet Santa.

Stacey Clowes, who organised the event along with volunteers from the Clock Tower, said: "I'd like to thank everyone for coming, it was a really good night. It was ace, really funny.

"A big thank you goes out to Anne Marie, Dawn Bartram, Lynn Murphy, Jackie Woodward and Yvonne Jones."

The grotto was held in the community room which had been decorated by residents in the area and volunteers and attendees enjoyed an evening of raffle prizes and games.

About £113 was raised which will go towards the community garden fund for next year which had previously been awarded the Vibrant and Viable Funding.

Gary Sibbald, local resident, told the Leader: "Everyone seemed to appreciate Stacey and others' hard work. It was lovely to hear and see people talking, laughing and feeling part of a special moment in time.

"Time is so precious and priceless when you have given it to each other, money becomes meaningless. We all make a living by what we get and we make a life by what we give. Present fears and problems are less than horrific imaginings.

"I appreciate and believe we can be the creative change we wish to see in the community and I am passionate and grateful to be able to help others with my personal time."

Santa's little helpers Lynne Murphy and Tia Davies-Roscoe introduced the children to Father Christmas and everyone was given the chance to talk to Santa as well as receive a gift.

Local councillors also attended the event and Cllr Gill Faulkner said it was a fantastic event which brought the community together once again.