More than 300 visitors turned up at Moat House Leisure Centre this weekend to visit Santa and watch the official Christmas tree lights switch on.

The first-time event, which was sponsored by Spirit Quarters partners redeveloping the neighbourhood, attracted hundreds of local children who wanted a moment with Santa in his Grotto.

After visiting Santa, many children opted to take part in a host of other activities taking place on the day such as face painting, biscuit decorating, card making and henna tattoos. There was also a birds of prey display and stalls selling handmade jewellery and second-hand gifts.

Festivities kicked off following the annual One Voice community conference which took place earlier that morning, where local people received an update on their neighbourhood from local agencies.

To mark the end of the successful event, Coventry North MP Bob Ainsworth switched on the lights to the 10ft Christmas tree, picked the winner for the One Voice raffle and presented the prize for the children's colouring-in competition.

For more photos from this event visit Spirit Quarters in Coventry on Facebook www.facebook.com/spiritquarterscoventry