Emma Russ from Galloway’s at the Santa’s grotto

A Preston charity has seen more than £8,500 donated during a Christmas grotto in a city shopping centre.

Galloway’s Society for the Blind has been the St George’s Shopping Centre’s charity of the year.

More than £5,000 came in during the rest of the year making the total raised £13,500.

Emma Russ, senior fundraiser at Galloway’s, said: “We’re so grateful for all the opportunities that St George’s offer Galloway’s throughout the year to both fundraise and raise awareness of our work. As a charity, we aim to create a better place for local blind and partially sighted people, giving people the same opportunities the sighted world can often take for granted.

“We’d simply be unable to do this without the support from like St George’s. Throughout 2015, our partnership with the centre allowed us to raise more than £13,500, which is incredible.”

Galloway’s, based in Penwortham, also has centres in Chorley, Southport and Morecambe.

Andrew Stringer, general manager at St George’s Shopping Centre, said: “St George’s is at the heart of shopping in Preston and we are committed to being at the heart of the community too.

“We have worked closely with Galloway’s for many years and the charity’s activity within the shopping centre throughout the year is always so well supported, especially so at Christmas time.

“The kind donations from our shoppers are something to be proud of and it is great to know that we’ve been able to play a part in helping Galloway’s continue its vital work within the community.”