A VISIT to Santa's grotto could help raise money for the Acorn Appeal.

Woolworth's in Walthamstow High Street has once again created a grotto with a wishing well.

All money thrown into the well will go to Whipps Cross Hospital's new children's unit.

Woolworth's service team leader Julie Tree said: "We have already raised £500 in the well since we set it up, and hopefully we will get a lot more. There have been quite a few visitors to see Santa since we set it up.

The Acorn Appeal, which aims to raise £100,000 and is supported by Guardian Newspapers, is the chosen charity for Woolworths for the second year running.

So far, generous staff and shoppers have raised £2,500 for the appeal.

In a bid to raise more money, school choirs will be singing at the store from 11.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday, December 15 and 22.

It also ran a tombola stall on Sunday at the stall, which raised £100.

Ms Tree said: "This was also very successful. People were very generous and it proved to be very popular."

The store has adopted the Acorn Appeal as its charity for a number of reasons.

Ms Tree said: "As a company, we run a charity called Kids First, and each branch picks which children's charity it wishes to benefit.

"We chose the Acorn Appeal because someone in the store knew somebody who is in the children's unit, and a lot of people have generally known of local youngsters who have been treated there at some time."

Woolworth's has already sponsored the adolescents' sitting room at the new unit.