TWO little girls who are both helped by a Wirral children’s hospice were VIP guests at the opening of a charity Santa’s grotto in Birkenhead.

Amelia Wilson, aged six, from Prenton, who is recovering from an aggressive brain tumour, and two-year-old Makiyla Rose Roberts, from Rock Ferry, who was born with a crippling and life-limiting condition, were first in to meet the man of the moment at the Claire House Santa’s Grotto in Pyramids Shopping Centre.

Hundreds of shoppers waiting for Santa Claus’ arrival at his magical, sparkling, gem-filled grotto which was celebrated with live music and a host of fun freebies.

The grotto is open from 11 am to 4 pm on weekdays and Sundays and 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays.

From Wednesday December 17 to Christmas Eve, these timings will vary slightly so the grotto stays open longer. Entry is £4 with all the money raised donated to Claire House.

Little Amelia underwent a massive eight-hour operation to remove an aggressive tumour on her brain back in 2012 and has battled her way through a difficult recovery ever since.

Brave tot Makiyla Rose Roberts needs round-the-clock care from her devoted mum and dad, Kayleigh Citrine and Matthew Roberts.

Amelia’s mum, Suzanne, said: “I had Thomas six months after Amelia was diagnosed so it was very difficult. "She was in a wheelchair and I had a newborn as well and there was often not enough time left for Jessica to get any attention at all.”

“Having someone from Claire House come and do some art with Amelia or something just meant I could concentrate on the others, even if it was just to do homework or something. And she always looked forward to them coming.".

Makiyla's mum Kayleigh said: “Makiyla Rose has no muscle tone which means she cannot hold up her head, sit up or lift her legs and is unable to walk.

“She also has epilepsy and has just been officially registered as blind, although we know she can hear.

“She sometimes stays awake for as much as 29 hours at a time and, of course, I have to stay awake to watch her, which can be very exhausting.

“So it’s great when we get some respite care from Claire House. She goes in there every couple of months for three or four nights, and what’s really great about it is that they treat her like a normal child.

“She meets other children and they have stories read to them, they have music lessons and they even take them in the swimming pool.”