A family-run garden centre has been transformed into a winter wonderland.  

Newbank Garden Centre in Radcliffe has kicked off the festive season with its “best display yet”.

The Bury Road centre is well known in the area for its ambitious Christmas displays and affordable, unique decorations.

This year, the talented team has created a giant steam train, platform and carriage, dancing disco divas and cosy café set up, to name just a few.

There is even a life-sized Father Christmas enjoying a bubbly hot tub and a walkway lined with artificial arches, trees and twinkly lights.  

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Customers Maureen and Iain Kennedy, from Crumpsall, said: “We’ve been coming here for many years and always like to see what they’re doing for Christmas.

“The train is a lovely touch, it all looks lovely.”

Lorraine Hall is the head of merchandise and Christmas buying at Newbank in Radcliffe.

She has been working at the centre for 19 years and plays an integral part in the cheerful creations.

Lorraine said: “The train is probably my favourite one this year.

"We used traditional greens and reds. We wanted it to look its very best.”

She also created a beautiful festive autumnal display using amber, forest green and burnt orange décor, which she says is popular this season.

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Chantelle Bennett, visual merchandiser and buyer, added: “I think it’s one of the best years yet.

"I love them all but the All-Star and Ice Queen displays are my favourites this time.”

One highlight of the garden centre’s Christmas calendar is the “life-like” Santa’s Grotto experience, which normally sells out within weeks.

Director Frances Bottomley said: “We’ve been putting on Christmas displays for the past 30 years or so.

“People like to visit just to see them, especially as it’s all under cover so it isn’t as weather dependent like some places.

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“We often get told that we have the best Santa in town. He’s very realistic and we have our elves too who dance and tell stories.

“It’s really helped to put us on the map.”

The flagship store opened in 1990 and there are now five branches across Greater Manchester and Yorkshire.

Santa’s Grotto will be at the Radcliffe branch from Saturday, November 30 until Monday, December 23 and tickets can be booked on the Newbank Garden Centre website.