Girl power! Forget Father Christmas - Mrs Christmas made a rare appearance to help launch a superstore's festive activities.
Mrs Christmas, alias cashier Ruth Clark, arrived at the Safeway store in Centenary Way, Little Clacton, in a pony and trap.
The store's grotto was opened up and will remain until December 23.
Barbara Farrell, who works at Safeway, said Father Christmas would be popping in later in the month and it was decided to get things under way with a friendly female alternative.
The store is raising money for the Leas Special School in Clacton with various activities and a grand draw. Prizes have been provided by shops at nearby Clacton Shopping Village.
Greetings - Mrs Christmas, alias cashier Ruth Clark, is met by children from Weeley's St Andrew's school choir outside the Safeway store in Little Clacton.
Picture: TERRY WEEDEN
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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