A PLEA has been sent out to Father Christmas to drop-in at Clacton Pier in the run-up to the big day.

Santa is needed to attend the attraction’s grotto each of the four weekends in December to meet with youngsters at the pier’s Winter Wonderland.

Bosses at the pier are hoping that he will be able to find some time in his busy schedule to take up the temporary position and he will have the chance to earn some extra cash before Christmas.

As he will probably be keeping his clothes in tip top condition for his rounds on Christmas Eve, a costume will be provided for the weekend shifts.

Nigel Brown, the pier’s communications manager, said that Santa had not been needed for more than five years as Winter Wonderland has not been staged recently.

“We are very much hoping that Father Christmas can help us out this year so that hundreds of kids will get the chance to meet him in the lead up to December 25,” he added.

“Let’s face it, everyone can do with some extra spending power at that time of the year, even Santa.

“If he can help us to make sure that the children are not disappointed we would ask him to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone interested should email info@clactonpier.co.uk.