Two good to be true: X Factor stars open hospice grotto in Romford

X Factor finalists 2 Shoes attracted hordes of people to Romford Shopping Hall as they opened a Santa’s Grotto in support of St Francis Hospice.

Fans queued to meet the 2 Shoes girls, Charley Bird and Lucy Texeira, before visiting Santa, where they received a present and were photographed with the stars.

The Essex girls also signed autographs before turning on the lights and performing to the crowds.

Lucy said: “It’s a lovely thing to be a part of and it’s great to see all the children so happy here.

“We did the charity single with the other X Factor finalists for a children’s hospice and visiting the children really touched us, especially because Charley’s pregnant. So we wanted to support a hospice, and St Francis is our local hospice.”

You can visit the grotto from now until Christmas Eve, between 10am and 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

A visit to Santa costs �2.50 per child, which includes a fantastic present, and there’s the added bonus of over half of the money going the hopsice in Havering-atte-Bower.

Lynda Head, hospice community fundraising manager, said: “The opening was a huge success. We’d like to thank the 2 Shoes girls and staff at Romford Shopping Hall for all their support. The Grotto is a great chance for parents to take their children out while helping a local charity at the same time, so everyone’s a winner!”

To learn more about supporting the hospice visit www.sfh.org.uk, or call 01708753319.