SANTA Claus received a hearty reception when he visited Clackmannan last Saturday.

Fourteen year-old Ewan Anderson welcomed him to the Bruce Function Room with a bagpipe solo.

The Gala Committee had been working hard to get Santa's Grotto ready.

Santa will be in Clackmannan again on the 8 and 15 December.

Carol Hunter, Clackmannan Gala Group Chair said, "It was great to welcome Santa Claus to Clackmannan and the children were over the moon to meet him. Although all proceeds from these events will go to the Gala Fund, it has been really good to have something like this going on for the children - the street was full of Christmas cheer."

Barbara Kenny, Vice-Chair said, "The Santa's Grotto was something else and the children loved it all. There was a lovely atmosphere here today and this has certainly been worth all the effort. Santa will be back again on the next few Saturday's so even more little ones can come along and meet him."