I AM writing in reply to the letter (Tuesday, December 23) entitled: Grotto Needs A Touch Of Magic, about the Father Christmas grotto in Blackburn's six-day Market Hall.

Firstly, it had been suddenly announced there was no room this year for Father Christmas or a grotto in Blackburn Shopping Centre.

It seemed unbelievable to Santa believers that Santa would not be personally available in Blackburn to receive children's last-minute messages.

However, after the Lancashire Evening Telegraph report on the problem, hurried negotiations took place between Blackburn Market and Santa's pre-preparation team.

Though the Market Hall site was not grand it was adequate and acceptable to Santa.

The majority of children who visited Santa in his Market Hall grotto were delighted to see Santa himself.

The children loved him and knew he would not let them down on Christmas Day.

Before Santa left he let it be known that Blackburn children who visited him in Blackburn Market Hall were the nicest he had ever met and he would do all that was in his power to deliver everything by Christmas Day.

Also, to recall 2000 years ago, there was no room at the inn, but a lowly stable was gratefully received.

RAYMOND GOLDSTONE, Blackburn Market Tenants Association.