Tilney All Saints RSPCA holding sell-out event this weekend giving dog owners the chance to take pets to meet Santa Paws

A first-of-its-kind Santa Paws grotto event has raised hundreds for a RSPCA branch.

RSPCA West Norfolk organised a special Santa Paws grotto at their Eau Brink Animal Centre in Tilney All Saints.

The event, taking place this weekend, has already sold out - as lots of eager pet owners booked to have the chance to meet Santa Paws.

The money raised will be used to buy an extra special festive lunch for all the animals who will be spending Christmas at the centre.

Each pooch will have the chance to have a photo with Santa Paws by a professional photographer and then get to sniff out a special Christmas present of a toy and a treat as well.

The photos will then be sent to the owners once they have been printed - just in time for the special day.

Carl Saunders, general manager at the centre, said: “This is the first time we have offered our four-legged friends the chance to have their own magical Christmas and we have been overwhelmed that the event has sold out so quickly.

“It’s incredible because all the money raised which is around £400 will be spent on us giving all the animals in our care a very special festive lunch.

“While the best Christmas present would be to find a new home for all the rescue pets in our care - we know sadly some will be spending the festive period in our kennels or cattery - so we want to do all we can to make it extra special for them.

“It will also be a lovely opportunity for us to see some of our former residents who we suspect will be coming back to visit Santa Paws. There is nothing more delightful than the chance to see a rescue pet loving life with their incredible new owners.

“It has been a really fantastic year for the branch. We have just rehomed our 500th animal - and last year we rehomed 390 pets - so to rehome even more this year is just incredible.

“As an independent branch of the RSPCA we couldn’t help so many animals if it wasn’t for the incredible support of our local community and supporters - those who donate to us, rehome and shop at our charity stores - so we want to just say a huge thank you to everyone.”