The Barn by Cherry Lane is hosting a new Sensory Santa event this year for children who may find a traditional meeting with Father Christmas overwhelming.

Sensory Santa is being hosted at the garden centre on Gunthorpe Road in Paston for the first time this Christmas, following the success of Cherry Lane's event in its nearby Podington garden centre, which won an industry award last year.

Taking place on December 19, Sensory Santa has been designed for children who are sensitive to noise, crowds, and bright lighting.

By creating a quiet, calm environment in which they feel comfortable, children can enjoy meeting Santa in person and take part in sight, sound, smell and touch activities.

The event will also include a Christmas sensory story with festive smells, lights, a snow machine, music and textures, which is signed throughout.

Peterborough Matters: Children can enjoy a calm environment where they can feel comfortable meeting Santa without feeling overwhelmed. Children can enjoy a calm environment where they can feel comfortable meeting Santa without feeling overwhelmed. (Image: Cherry Lane)

The event is being run for Cherry Lane by Karen Harvey, a children's entertainment expert and qualified storyteller who specialises in supporting children with additional needs.

Karen Harvey, host of Sensory Santa, said: "These events are important to enable everyone to make memories and share the magic of Christmas together with an experience that is enjoyable for all.

"I am delighted to be hosting the event at The Barn for the first time this year, following on from the success of our previous events at Cherry Lane Podington.

"I am really looking forward to sharing this special sensory event with families."

MOST READ TODAY: Firefighter hangs up his boots after 20 years

Laura Chapman, events manager for Cherry Lane, said: "We are really pleased to be hosting Cherry Lane's Sensory Santa event at The Barn for the first time.

"Christmas itself and a visit to Santa's Grotto can be a very overwhelming experience, and we are pleased to be able to put on this event, which will allow families to be together and get in the festive spirit in a way that is comfortable for them.

"We hope Sensory Santa will be just as well received here at The Barn, making it something we can consider for more of our garden centres in future."

Tickets for Sensory Santa cost £13.99 per child and £9.99 per adult and can be purchased on the Cherry Lane Website.

The Barn by Cherry Lane is on Gunthorpe Road, Paston PE4 7AD and can be contacted on 01733 320134. Free car parking is available.