Grandmother Betty Grimes, 89, who is registered blind has just finished wrapping presents to be given to children at a charity Santa’s Grotto — 1,700 of them.

What’s more she has been doing it for the last 18 years.

Santa will be handing out the gifts to children at Stephen Smith’s garden centre, in Wilsden Road, Harden, every weekend, from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-4pm until December 20.

The company has hosted the grotto for the last 16 years in support of Keighley Lions.

Last year the grotto raised £5,400, which was officially presented in a giant cheque last week.

Tanya Smith, of Stephen Smith’s, said: “My grandma Betty Grimes, who is 89 years old and blind, wraps all the 1,700 presents every year. We do it for the children and the community and it is good for local people to contribute to charity.”

Mrs Grimes, who lives in Harrogate, and has now recruited the help of her sister said: “I cannot see so I feel my way around the present, its length and how much paper you need and cut what is left.

“I put the present in what I think is the centre of the paper and then hope for the best.

“I enjoy it, I cannot do many other jobs but I can do this.”

Meanwhile Keighley Lions’ sleigh, towed by a Colin Appleyard vehicle, begins its tour around the streets of the Keighley district on December 6. Children can meet Santa while the Keighley Explorer Scouts help collect donations.

Keighley Lions secretary Avril Emmerson said: “It is hard work but it is magic to see how people react when the sleigh comes around — they say it kicks off Christmas.”

It will arrive in Keighley town centre on Christmas Eve.

For information about when the sleigh will visit your area, phone 01535 602031 or 646537.