Christmas has officially arrived at Cheshire Oaks.

One of Cheshire’s most spectacular light displays came to life at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks which invited a family from Claire House Children’s Hospice to flick the switch on Europe’s largest walk-in Christmas tree.

The designer outlet gave the McIntyre family from Anfield a VIP experience day at the centre.

Six-year-old Charlie McIntyre was diagnosed with Lissencephaly - a rare brain formation disorder - at the age of four-months-old and now requires 24 hour care. Since then, Charlie and his family have been receiving a helping hand from children’s hospice Claire House.

Charlie McIntyre switching the lights on with Santa at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks designer Outlet. L to R: Centre manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Kenny Murray, Lee McIntyre, Santa, Charlie McIntyre, Shirley McIntyre, Amanda Mitchell from Claire House childrens hospice and Charlies grandad

Charlie’s mum, Shirley McIntyre, said: “Claire House provide amazing, around the clock care and give families a break when most needed. Charlie is comfortable there and well looked after; the staff are so good with him. The whole ethos of Claire House is to help create precious memories for the families that use the hospice and its services, and this partnership is doing just that.”

On Wednesdaym (November 9), Charlie and his family enjoyed a fun filled day with dinner at Giraffe, an exclusive trip to Charlie’s favourite store, Build A Bear, a meet with Santa in his grotto and gifts to take home.

Charlie McIntyre receiving his gifts from Build A Bear staff alongside his parents, Lee and Shirley McIntyre

It all finished with Charlie pushing the button to turn on the lights to the outlet’s 100 ft Christmas tree.

Centre manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Kenny Murray, said: “We are delighted to welcome Charlie and his family to switch on the lights this year. Charlie and his family, like many other families at the hospice, fully deserve a day like this to be completely spoilt and spend time with loved ones, and we’re very happy to provide that opportunity.

Charlie McIntrye with family inside Europes largest walk in Christmas tree at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks designer Outlet. L to R: Elf, Lee McIntyre, Santa, Charlie McIntyre, Shirley McIntyre, Charlies grandad and Elf

“With over £40,000 raised for a variety of charities over the years, we are proud to be partnering with Claire House Children’s Hospice for 2016 and hope to help them raise a significant amount for their incredible cause.”