Blue Box Grotto opens in the Wheatsheaf Centre

Chief Inspector Umer Khan from GMP Rochdale joins Constable Cub during the launch of the Blue Box at the Wheatsheaf

A Blue Box Grotto has been launched in the Wheatsheaf Centre.

Now in its second year, the aim of the Blue Box is to provide reassurance and advice to the public, as well as encouraging children to get into the spirit of personal safety and helping others over the Christmas season.

Activities for kids include finger printing, dressing as a police officer, and the chance to win prizes by entering the Christmas card colouring competition.

Members of Greater Manchester Police will be on hand to provide festive safety advice and give away early presents in the form of light timers, purse bells and personal alarms to help keep Christmas merry.

Inspector Michelle Hughes, Rochdale North’s Neighbourhood Inspector, said: “The aim of the Grotto is to not only deliver the message about keeping safe over Christmas, but also to encourage people to come in, browse, speak to our staff and to share any information that they feel will help bring criminals to justice.

"People who commit crime over the Christmas period do it knowing that they will be creating unhappiness and misery. This will not be tolerated and the Christmas Grotto is one way in helping to combat this.”

Part of Operation Elf, the Blue Box will continue to operate until Friday 2 January.