A five-year-old's dream of becoming Santa's helper has come true thanks to Tong Garden Centre near Bradford, Yorkshire’s biggest garden centre.

When Lucy Bracewell sent the centre a picture saying :"To Santa and all of yurr reindeers, I love you but I wish I cud be yurr little Santa Lucy helpp", staff just had to to oblige.

Marketing manager Jo Dales said: "We were charmed by Lucy's approach and invited her and her sister Megan to perform the official opening of the grotto.

"We were delighted that Lucy was able to help us to celebrate the opening of Tong's very special grotto experience."

Lucy's mum, Sarah said: "Just to say a massive thank you to you and all the Staff at Tong Garden Centre. Lucy's wish has come true and was an amazing experience she will never forget!"

Lucy and her family were the first to go through the grotto experience and witness Santa's daredevil arrival by parachute at Tong, orchestrated with the Parachute Regiment's Red Devils.

The 45 minute grotto experience comprises a walk through the winter wonderland, a festive fairytale with Santa and a visit to Santa's elves' workshop to choose a gift.

Photos: 1. Lucy, left and Megan Bracewell at the Tong Garden Centre grotto 2. Lucy's letter 

Video: Click here to view Santa's daredevil arrival