LAKESIDE will be open for longer this Christmas so shoppers don't miss out on in-store bargains.

Essex’s premier shopping destination will be open from 9am to 11pm on weekdays and from 9am to 10pm on Saturdays meaning shoppers can look to profit from the festive deals on offer in more than 250 stores.

Families will also be able to enjoy Santa’s grotto for free, with every child given a free gift to unwrap when they leave. More than 30,000 children visited the grotto last year with even more expected this year.

Shoppers can also take advantage of the handy Shop & Drop service throughout December where bags can be deposited as you shop before you pick them up as you leave.

Festive singers will be dotted around the centre in the run-up to the big day as they raise money for local charities.

Also watch out for special Christmas crackers that will be handed out to shoppers on Saturdays in December, some of which will be filled with gift cards pre-loaded with money and ready to be spent in centre.

Additional seating has also been arranged as thousands of people are expected to ‘shop until they drop’ this Christmas.

Izzie Peskett, Marketing Manager at intu Lakeside, said, “Once again, we are looking forward to a busy and magical Christmas at intu Lakeside. From our glittering giant decorations to our free grotto, longer opening hours and added extras such as prize-filled Christmas crackers and our #twishlist campaign, we’ve got Christmas wrapped up.”