A CHARITY is appealing for Santa’s little helpers to come forward and offer a helping hand this Christmas.

The Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice is looking for people to help out at Santa’s Grotto, which will be staged in Bexleyheath’s Broadway Shopping Centre.

Volunteers may be required to sell raffle tickets and Christmas cards, hand out presents and steward the queue for the grotto.

Shifts at the grotto, which throws open its doors on November 10, are available in the morning, afternoon and evening and the hospice needs five volunteers per shift.

Festive outfits are welcomed and encouraged by the hospice.

Volunteers’ manager Vanessa Hill said: “It’s a great opportunity for individuals, groups and families.

“Remember - ‘tis the season to be giving so please give a little of your time and volunteer.”

The charity – which provides specialist palliative care across Greenwich and Bexley – hopes to raise £30,000 from the grotto.