UNPAID elves and Santas are appealing to the good nature of the public to help them recover their unpaid wages after their employer announced it had begun the liquidation process.

Grotto Hire UK and Agility Events Ltd has informed its employers it has ceased trading amid an ongoing dispute over wages.

An estimated 15 people who worked at one of the two company's Christmas grottos at the Freeport shopping outlet in Braintree are understood to be owed a combined £8,000 having not received their money on time.

With the prospects of getting their wages now looking increasingly unlikely, the unpaid staff have set up a crowdfunding page online in an effort to raise the cash through public donations.

In a statement posted on the page, the staff said: "As a team we worked hard and had a clear dedication, even when things got hard we stuck together to be able to see the enjoyment that the children gained from this Christmas grotto experience.

"We never gave up and always inspired to make the children happy who were booked to see Santa. Due to this, it has left us in debt as the company isn't able to pay any of there workers which have worked all over Christmas.

"Leaving some of our staff not being able to pay bills and for the majority, excessive stress and worry over the Christmas period. So, we ask you to try and help us with our payment for the good service and experience we provided."

Tony Jennings, owner of Hull-based Grotto Hire Uk and Agility Events, has blamed cash flow issues on the delay in paying staff wages.

In his email informing employees about the beginning of the liquidation process, Mr Jennings said he had "no choice" but to cease trading.

The email added: "We are extremely saddened by this as we know how hard you have worked to provide an outstanding experience throughout. We have explored all avenues to continue to trade and rectify our cash flow problems but sadly we do not have the funds to continue."

After receiving the email, Jean Lynch, who worked as an elf at the grotto set up at Freeport and is owed more than £600, admitted much of the staff were unconvinced they would ever get paid.

Mrs Lynch, who lives in Braintree, added: "We are all just fed up and deflated to be honest.

"There were a few youngsters working for the first time on that grotto who were waiting on that money. What a terrible first experience they have had."