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A community football club has won praise from parents after it hosted a ‘Sensory Santa’ morning for children with additional learning needs.

Aber Valley FC held the event at the Aber Hotel in Abertridwr on Sunday December 15 with activities and interactions with Santa designed to not overwhelm children.

Praise from parents followed.

Posting on social media, Sophie Evans said: “The least stressful visit to see Santa we’ve ever experienced thanks to The Aber Hotel.

“There was plenty to keep children entertained and the Santa – well he was brilliant. What a great success. We didn’t have one tear or meltdown. What a brilliant morning.”

Lucy Midgley, of Aber Valley FC and one of the organisers of the event, said its inspiration came from a parent who contacted the club when it was promoting a Christmas disco. The parent told the club her family had never been able to attend because her children were sensitive to light and sound.

The ‘Sensory Santa’ was provided by Unique Entertainment Events and Travel.

Future events are now being planned including a sensory sports club.