SANTA'S grottos are allowed to go ahead this Christmas in all tiers if they take place in venues that are allowed to be open, under new advice from the government.

Festive events where youngsters can meet Father Christmas adhere to Warrington's tier 2 rules if 'appropriate Covid-secure measures' like social distancing are in place.

However, with the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus crisis and little time to plan, some grotto experiences may not take place this year after all.

Some organisers have already made arrangements for Santa to speak to children via video call or streaming sites, instead of face to face, like Lymm-based 'Santa Comes To Tea At Your House' and Santa's Lapland Live in Appleton.

Carol singing – and carol services – can also take place, as long as those attending follow Public Health England's advice on singing safely.

Its advice includes singing in well-ventilated areas and keeping distance from each other. Door-to-door carol singing is allowed too, but in groups of a maximum of six.

Nativity plays can go ahead too but be performed within existing school bubbles, with no mixing across groups. Audiences in tier 2 will also have to socially distance.