Staff and visitors at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek have got into the festive spirit with a Christmas fayre and free entry.

As an early Christmas present, the sanctuary was open to the public and entry was free. There was entertainment from the children of Breage and Germoe schools on Saturday and The Singing Seagulls performed on Sunday.

There were craft and confectionery stalls, a merry magician, face painting, Santa’s elves and their group Elf Direction and visitors could also stop at Santa’s grotto to end their winter wonderland adventure.

Trevor Broome, general manager at the sanctuary, said: “It was very successful. We saw around 1,600 people over the two days, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”

Because it is pup season at this time of year visitors also had a chance to see the rehabilitation process in action, raise a few pennies for seal pup rescue and listen to interactive feeds and talks.