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The Friends of Herristone Park, a support group formed to promote the interests of park users and neighbouring residents, is meeting on Thursday to discuss plans for a festive grotto.

The event will be the first celebration the friends have organised since the group formed a year ago and volunteers are being recruited to help make the event a success.

Organisers are planning the Christmas grotto on the first weekend in December when it is hoped there will be a brass band concert followed by a visit from Father Christmas.

Gifts will be distributed to children and parents will be treated to a glass of wine and a mince pie before joining in with communal carol singing.

There are plans for a fund-raising draw and the organisers are hoping for support from the local business community to donate prizes.

Anyone interested in contributing any ideas for inclusion in the event, helping with the preparations or lending a hand with the activities during the day is invited to attend Thursday's meeting.

The meeting starts at 7.15pm at Crumpsall Labour Club.