PARENTS will be able to drop off their little ones at a council-run leisure centre while they shop for Christmas presents in Colchester.

The short-term 'shop and drop' sessions allows children to be left for a few hours at Leisure World, in Cowdray Avenue.

Children aged between five to 16 can enjoy activities including inflatables, ball games and group fun - all under the watchful eyes of qualified staff.

The sessions run between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday 2, Sunday 3 and Saturday 16 December and cost £8 per child, which includes parking.

Annie Feltham, Colchester councillor responsible for commercial services, said: "Shopping with the whole family can be difficult, especially if you need to buy presents for the children without them noticing.

"Shop & Drop sessions are a great idea to ensure that everyone can enjoy a relaxing day out in Colchester, taking the pressure off busy parents who know their kids are in safe hands."