A new accessible Santa experience for children with special educational needs (SEN) is coming to Chester this December.

Described as the city's first Santa experience designed by SEN parents, the event will take place in Storyhouse's Garret Theatre on Saturday 5 December.

Consisting of three 90-minute sessions, instead of a queue and a few minutes with Santa, each family has a relaxed session to use as they need.

Children can chat with Santa and have a photo if they wish, or simply enjoy the space without any pressure. Attendees can also leave the room and come back whenever they want.

Behind the concept is Reframe Productions CIC, whose co-founder Jen McAndrew found that existing SEN Santa events in the city did not meet her autistic son's needs.

She said: "As a parent, I wanted to create a Santa visit where nobody is rushed, nobody is on show and every child can take part in whatever way feels right to them.

"This isn't an existing event adapted after the fact. It has been designed around accessibility from the very start."

The Garret Theatre will also host a make-your-own Christmas decoration station - alongside a card station, a free play area and a sensory area.

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Every child will receive a gift to take home and families can choose between a range of ticket prices, including nothing at all, for each child's place.

Parents and carers attend free of charge and stay with their children throughout.

Storyhouse has donated the use of the Garret Theatre and is supporting the event with ticket sales and publicity.

The event is also made possible by the generosity of sponsors JB Corrie and London Camera Exchange, Chester, Pars Kahve and Frankies Bar whose support will help fund free places for children.

Booking and more information can be found here.