VIDEO:Ho Ho Ho! Father Christmas is back at the Mercury Mall.

The festive spirit has begun across Romford as Father Christmas and Buttons, his right hand man returned to the Mercury Mall yesterday, Monday 14 November.

The longest running Father Christmas event in Havering was in full swing as parents not only did their shopping, but also had the opportunity to bring their children to meet Mr Christmas himself!

Havering’s Mayor Councillor Trevor McKeever officially opened Santa’s grotto, joined by Elves from the Brookside Theatre and of course the Mercury’s very own naughty Elf!

The grotto will be opened everyday from now until Christmas Eve and no prior booking is required.

If you are visiting the Mercury be on the lookout for Mr Naughty Elf who is about and about everyday up to his naughty tricks across the shopping mall. If you spot him, snap his picture and let staff at the Mercury know to have the chance to win a prize and enjoy some festive treats! Can you find that naughty elf?