GLAZEBURY: CHRISTMAS is a time for granting wishes and Bents did just that when approached with an unusual request.

Ruth Thomas, owner of Culcheth’s Room31, is a former Jehovah’s Witness and did not celebrate Christmas until she was 21.

But she now takes part in the festivities as much as she can and asked the Glazebury garden centre if she could be an elf. So Ruth was made Santa’s special helper during Bents’ family fun weekend.

She said: “Being able to witness the excitement, belief and delight on the children’s faces was really special.

“I really love Christmas and being able to volunteer as an elf while raising money for such a great cause and being involved in looking after Santa’s reindeer was a dream come true.”

Ruth also helped sell punch and mince pies with all the money going to The Christie, Bents’ charity of the year.

Matthew Bent, managing director at Bents, added: “We weren’t sure what to make of this request but when we met Ruth we were bowled over by her enthusiasm and were more than happy to help.”