A NEWTON Abbot charity’s popular Christmas grotto will go ahead this year as a local business steps in and offers use of some of its space.

For a time, it looked as though Wellbeing in Action’s ‘Elf Express Grotto’ would not go ahead as it struggled to find a suitable location after having to leave its space in the Market Hall as Teignbridge District Council’s (TDC) regeneration scheme got underway earlier this year.

But Maltings Taphouse have stepped in and offered the charity use of one of its warehouses, saying it was ‘proud’ to be working with Wellbeing in Action.

And the charity have spent the past several weeks clearing and cleaning the space ready for its grotto.

‘We have been on the back foot this year, but the grotto can now happen’ the charity said.

An interactive grotto with four different character-themed ‘chambers’, Wellbeing in Action’s festive event will feature popular children’s characters such as Olaf from Disney’s Frozen franchise, Paw Patrol and more.

Though anybody can purchase a ticket, the grotto’s primary purpose is for it to be gifted to children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to go to such an event.

‘We get lots of referrals from social workers, but anybody can nominate a family in crisis and we provide them with a free ticket; they could be children who have gone through illness, who have a disability or who are in poverty’ the charity said.

Wellbeing in Action had inquired about various premises owned by TDC, from the old Edinburgh Wollen Mill building to the ground floor of Sherborne House, to host its grotto, but to no avail, the Mid-Devon Advertiser understands .

Regarding its search for a home for its grotto, the charity said TDC had been ‘a pain from start to finish’, though the council say it has a ‘long track record of supporting initiatives’ and that it works with partners in the voluntary sector daily.

‘We have worked with Wellbeing in Action in the past and supported them in the Market Hall’ a spokesperson for TDC said.

‘Sometimes, for good reasons, it isn’t possible’ the spokesperson added.

Tickets to this year’s Elf Express Grotto can be purchased from the Good Karma Store, the Maltings Taphouse or online.

The current dates are December 7, 8, 21 and 22, but more maybe added depending on demand.

And there is still more to do, with Wellbeing in Acton keen for local businesses to get involved, particularly with sponsoring one of the rooms within the grotto.

To express an interest, or for more information, contact the charity on 01626 638069 or via email on [email protected]