Santa Claus looked at the weather report. He read "very heavy snow for Kings Park, Croftfoot and Cathcart." He looked at his diary – Santa's Grotto in Cathcart Old Parish Church. Children from the local primary schools, nurseries and mother and toddler groups were all looking forward to meeting him. A volunteer group, The Friends of Kings Park, had arranged the grotto in the church with the goodwill of the minister, Neil Galbraith.

Santa could land his sleigh and reindeers in the church car park but the snow was very deep. Mrs Claus was worried. She said "Santa, if the snow gets in your boots, your feet will be very wet. You will get a bad, bad cold."

What could Santa do? His elves thought up ways to help him. The best idea was that Santa would become very tall so that the top his boot would be above snow level.

A plan was made. Santa had to eat good food, plenty of vegetables and lots of warming porridge. He had to exercise to make his bones very strong. He began to get taller. But not tall enough! What else could he do? Luckily Fairy Tinkerbelle flew in and seeing that Santa needed a little magical help, she waved her magic wand. WOW! What a big tall Santa he was, over 2 metres or to be exact 6 foot 7 inches. He got a new suit and very big boots. Mrs Claus smiled.

For almost a week he met the groups of children. They were so happy to see him. The Friends group had arranged the Grotto to help the local community and save parents the expense of the commercial Santa in shopping malls.

Every child received a colouring book and crayons. They were allowed plenty of time to tell him what they wanted. One little boy, on getting his book, said "I wanted a bike". So Santa reminded all the children that the big presents would come on Christmas Eve. He listened to concerns about getting down the chimney. He assured them he could get down any chimney and in any loft and if there was no chimney or loft, he had his magical Santa Key to get in.

Mrs Anne McFadden, the Head Teacher of St Mirin's said this is the third year the Friends group have invited the children to see Santa. The pupils were again glowing with delight and truly excited.

Mrs Helen Simpkins, head of the toddler's group said this is a wonderful experience for our children.

Well done Santa. Have a good rest. Come again next year.