MORE than 200 children recently enjoyed a trip to the ‘North Pole’, as part of an initiative by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Flying Start team.

The team designed and constructed their own Winter Wonderland, in the centre in Barry, complete with an elf workshop and Santa’s grotto.

Children enjoyed a warm welcome into the frosty wonderland, a story with Mrs Claus, arts and crafts in the workshop, and finally a meeting with Santa, where they received a gift.

The initiative was the first of its kind for the team, who had been inspired by visits to similar grottos with their own children.

However, these can be dear, especially for families with more than one child.

The event was free and open to Flying Start families, as well as families accessing the Vale-wide sense of play service.

Due to its success, the team hope this will become an annual event.

Vale council deputy leader and cabinet member for education and regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett said: “This was a truly brilliant from Flying Start and the team did a super job.

“The cost of Christmas can be difficult to balance for families and events such as these ensure all can join in.”