Santa coming to Wirral to find his newest recruit as Birkenhead shopping centre prepares to host first Merseyside Elf Championship

Dec 12 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

SANTA is coming to Wirral to find his newest recruit.

The man in red has joined forces with the Grange and Pyramids Shopping Centre in Birkenhead for the first Merseyside Elf Championship.

The contest – for youngsters aged 11 and under – will take place at the centre on December 15, hosted by Heart FM’s Spence Macdonald.

Hopefuls are invited to wear their very best elf costumes and a team of face painters will also be on hand to help out between 11 am and 4pm.

Derek Millar, commercial director for the Grange and Pyramids Shopping Centre, will be one of the judges.

He said: “Hosting such a terrific, Merseyside-wide Christmas competition is very exciting for us.

“It is time to start preparing your elf costumes.”

Judging will take place at 3pm and the winner will receive prizes from stores including the Early Learning Centre and Conways Toymaster.

All entrants will receive something for their efforts.

The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Gerry Ellis, will also be on hand to help pick a winner, joined by Mayoress Margaret Ellis.

Cllr Ellis said: “I feel sure it is going to be very difficult to decide on a winner so I am glad I have the support of Santa Claus to decide.

“On the day I will be looking out for the elf who has the most eye catching outfit and is on his or her very best behaviour.”

Other festive fun at the shopping centre in the run-up to Christmas includes the Salvation Army brass band spreading some Christmas joy on December 22.