The attractions Christmas festivities got well underway on Monday when Santa arrived, alongside the baddie of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s pantomime, who officially opened his Winter Wonderland grotto.

The Bill star, Graham Cole, who played PC Tony Stamp in the long-running show for 25 years cut the ribbon to the 11th century castle grotto. Graham stars as 'Fleshcreep' in this year’s pantomime; 'Jack and the Beanstalk', which is sponsored by the zoo. Marketing Manager, Andrea Hales, said:

“We were delighted Graham took time out of his pantomime rehearsals to visit us and open our Santa’s grotto and we’re all looking forward to watching him in the show.

“Santa’s elves have been busy spending the last few weeks transforming our indoor Castle Creatures exhibit into a Winter Wonderland, and it’s definitely now feeling festive on site!”