A SANTA’S Grotto with a difference is being held in York this weekend.

The autism-friendly grotto, for children who are on the autistic spectrum as well as their friends and siblings, is proving popular.

It is the idea of York mum Kerrie Stephenson, whose three-year-old son Jack was diagnosed with autism earlier this year.

The grotto will feature donkeys and a sensory room with lights, as well as a separate room to see Santa and receive a sensory toy.

Kerrie said they had arranged an inclusive, safe and fun event which is suitable for all children.

She said: “There’s no queuing involved and it will be very calm and if any children don’t want to see Santa, that’s fine.

“No one will dress up apart from Santa as some children may be alarmed by people dressing up.”

The event is being held on Saturday from 10am to 3pm at Wilberforce Trust, 49 North Moor Road, Huntington.

Siblings are more than welcome, Kerrie said.

Kerrie runs Kindred Spirit York, a parent-led speech and language communication difficulties group, which meets twice a month at Hob Moor Children’s Centre on Fridays between 9.30am and 10.30am. Further details are available on the Kindred Spirit website.

She said families will be travelling from Pickering, Malton and Leeds to attend the York event, which many people have told her is much needed.

Kerrie, who works in advertising at The Press, said: “I don’t think people know enough about [children on the autistic spectrum]. They don’t look like there’s anything wrong with them but when a child has a meltdown it’s not that they are being naughty, it’s that they have had an overload and they can’t calm down.”

The National Autistic Society is providing volunteers for the event.

Kerrie has thanked people who have donated, including the following organisations for their support and donations: Balloons Above, Hee Haw Donkeys of Yorkshire, The Sidings restaurant, Hopscotch Shoes, Lock Fix, Thomas the Bakers, Hayley Owen funeral director and White Rose Bakes.

If you would like to attend the Santa’s Grotto event on Saturday you need to book a time slot in advance. To buy tickets costing £4.50, visit https://kindredspirityork.co.uk