MY item about the Co-op Santa before Christmas brought back happy memories for Mr Frank Green of Boscow Road, Little Lever.

Santa's arrival was different every year.

Frank writes: "The two that I can distinctly recall is his arrival in a covered wagon and also one in a spaceship."

He says the toy department was on the top floor and the queue used to stretch down a fire escape at the back and into Old Hall Street between Le Mans Crescent and Deansgate.

"When we eventually arrived at the grotto there was a ride that would take us to where Santa was. A visit to Santa at the Co-op was always high on our Christmas 'must do' list and it was part of the magic that the season had."

But in later years cost cutting measures became apparent.

"By the time my daughters were old enough to go to see Father Christmas it was a very diluted affair and bore little resemblance to the show that it used to be," he adds.