Santa visited the Stratford Centre on Sunday to kick off the festive season and the annual “Santa’s Letters”.

Newham Recorder: Brook Sancto, 9, Lewis Sancto, 7 and Masie Sancto, 5 meet Santa at The Stratford Centre.Brook Sancto, 9, Lewis Sancto, 7 and Masie Sancto, 5 meet Santa at The Stratford Centre. (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of customers posed with Santa in his Giant Rocking Chair for photos on December1 for the free event from 11am to 5pm.

The photos have been uploaded to the Stratford Centre’s Facebook page for customers to share with friends and family.

Lisa O’Hanlon, marketing manager at Stratford Centre, said: “It was a brilliant day.

“Santa’s visit went down really well, and the kids loved getting up into the giant chair.”

There was also a Christmas craft workshop and a special visit from the cast of Dick Wittington, playing at the Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Visitors can also write letters to Santa to receive a special Christmas card from Santa and entry into a Christmas draw to win a Christmas meal with all the trimmings.

More information is available at a stand in Central Square.