Youngsters found a new pal to bring home for tea when they visited Ellesmere Port Market.

The market went walkabout into the future as part of the town’s Christmas carnival with a visit from B-4, an 8ft walking, talking, larger-than-life robot.

B-4 was busy meeting shoppers on Saturday as part of the town’s programme of Christmas activities.

Also on offer was a ‘pop up’ Christmas market open for only one day using the flea market area and featuring new business start ups.

A free Christmas gala lunch for local pensioners is taking place at the Civic Hall today – call the Our Place team on 0151 356 6450 – with Santa set to return to his grotto at the market from tomorrow to next Wednesday (December 18) from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm daily.

Each child will receive a small gift. There is no charge to visit Santa but voluntary donations of up to 50p will go to the Ellesmere Port and District Lions.

Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Cllr Bob Crompton, who switched on the town’s Christmas tree lights at the start of the celebrations, said:“The grotto wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a number of community groups and volunteers brought together by Cheshire West and Chester Councils’ Our Place team.

“I would encourage everyone to come along and join in the Christmas spirit.”

Ellesmere Port and District Lions have arranged Santa’s visits whilst Plus Dane, local councillors and market traders have all helped to provide the gifts and grotto.

The market will also be bringing animatronics characters of a reindeer, penguin and Santa to life from Friday (December 13) to Saturday December 21 to entertain young and old alike.

The market, normally open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm (closed Wednesdays) has additional

Christmas openings today (Wednesday 11) and next week (Wednesday 18).

Santa cruises, another popular attraction, will take place at the National Waterways Museum and a free carousel will return to Civic Square between Thursday December 19 and Sunday December 22.

“We have something for everyone this year from Santa and the B-4 robot to the gala lunch, my charity ball and Christmas concerts,” added the mayor.