FATHER Christmas returns to the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro for eight dates in December. 

Families will join Jingle the Elf for a storytelling treat before meeting Father Christmas at his Kernow office to hear him tell the story of Jim the Cornish Knocker. 

Every participating child will receive a small gift and have the chance to have their photograph taken with the man in red.

Father Christmas at the Museum is a walking theatre and grotto experience presented by Cornwall-based company Coppice Theatre, supported by Truro BID and hosted by the Royal Cornwall Museum. 

Booking is required. There is a lift to access the second floor of the museum, and prams and buggies may be left at the entrance.

Tickets for the 40-minute group experience cost £10 per child (including a gift kindly supplied by the toy department at Malletts Home Hardware) and £5 per adult and over 12s. These are now on sale at www.coppicetheatre.co.uk

Mike Tonkin-Jones, co-artistic director of Coppice Theatre, said: "We're thrilled to be back at the Royal Cornwall Museum, and particularly excited that the Elves are allowed to utilise the newly renovated Mineral Gallery.”

A variety of times can be booked on Saturdays December 7 and 14; Wednesdays December 11 and 18; and daily from December 24 to 24 (closed Sunday). There will be shows specifically for children aged two and under and SEND audiences on Wednesdays December 11 and 18.

For details of all of Truro’s festive events see www.visittruro.org.uk