POST 19 students and staff at Treetops School in Grays have spent recent months working tirelessly to create their very own Santa's Grotto from finances raised.

And as the festive season approaches they are enjoying the fruits of their labour as youngsters visit the grotto.

The self-sufficient run facility offers support to additional needs adults aged 19 to 25 who attend to gain employability skills, and develop their independence.

This includes self-help, independent living skills, travel training and many more.

The students raise funds from raising money working their own enterprises for the school to access. This includes cash for clothes recycling bank, Sweet Cones, Raffles, even running their own weekly cafe that the whole school can access.

Facility manager Jamie Mathews says: "We work as a delivery service to classes and eat in service. Our students have carers who work with them on a ratio that's different to what their needs require.

"We know the struggles of a parent trying to get a child with additional needs to see Santa. Such as finance, time, sensory overload, so we thought this would be an excellent idea for all our students to have the opportunity to see the big man himself.

"Each class has been given a 40 minute slot, which includes Christmas crafts, Cookies and hot chocolate, and also making Reindeer food. This slot gives the students time to see Santa, and receive their gift.

"We have given the parents the option to donate £1 if they choose to.

"Our Grotto has been painted, designed and put into place by our additional needs adults, and they absolutely love working the Santa's Grotto playing different roles throughout."