SANTA gets all the credit at this most wonderful time of the year – but what about those poor elves?

Father Christmas's helpers man the workshop in the North Pole, make and sort through the toys, manage the naughty and nice checklist and even occasionally stand in for the man in red himself.

Well now Santa's elves are finally getting the recognition they deserve with Wonderslide's Elf Adventure Challenge.

Lymm based company Wonderslide specialises in interactive storytelling and adventure experiences for under 10s and their parents.

And the hands-on Elf Adventure Challenge is no different with youngsters learning what it takes to prepare for the festive period.

Dressed in shades of green with red and white stripes, pointy hats and pixie shoes, the experience is all about training to become an honorary elf. Santa does not even get a look in.

My family was invited to give it a try at The Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall, near Chester, and it is one of those events where you cannot help but join in even when you feel a bit silly.

Firstly you learn how to pose and prance like an elf before the main challenge begins in the heated marquee.

In order to qualify as an honorary elf, families are split into teams. You first have to make a toy robot (don't worry, it's very simple) as a present for good boys and girls within a time limit.

Then you have to dismantle it just as quick to return to Santa's assembly line.

Other 'training' activities include putting presents in the right chutes for their worldwide deliveries on Father Christmas's sleigh.

You also have to help power up the sleigh with magical snowballs.

Add to that singalongs, jokes and the chance to meet elf teachers, Pumpaa and Sprout, on a big projector screen and you have a festive event full of fun that will fire up the imagination of kids and big kids alike in the run-up to Christmas Day.

The Elf Adventure Challenge is at The Ice Cream Farm on Saturday and at Great Northern Warehouse in Deansgate, Manchester on various dates until Christmas Eve. Visit elfadventurechallenge.com