When people host ‘Winter Wonderlands’, it’s usually a nod to the season where the nights are long and the weather goes cold.

But for those who braved the elements to enjoy the Wingate Centre’s wonderland were rewarded last weekend with real snow and plenty of ways to have fun.

There was even a four-legged friend for visitors to see as ‘Betty’ the donkey was there for all to take a picture with.

Catherine Cook, marketing and fundraising manager at the centre, was delighted with how the afternoon went.

“It was lovely to meet so many families who braved the snow to come along to Wingate Winter Wonderland,” she said.

“The centre was very busy with little ones queuing up to meet Elsa and to meet Santa in the Wingate grotto while Betty, our Christmas donkey, posed for photos with her young fans.

“ An extra-special thanks go to everyone in the community who generously donated raffle prizes, to our volunteers who made the event possible and to ‘Meet the Owls’ who brought along some of his feathered friends for our young visitors to marvel at.

“Thanks to everyone’s support and generosity we have raised more than £2,000 so far this Christmas. Merry Christmas everybody.”

Head to http://thewingatecentre.co.uk/our-christmas-appeal-2017 for full details.

For more information about the Wingate Centre or for details on how you can support the charity in 2017 visit www.thewingatecentre.co.uk