An adored Santa that hundreds of children have visited at Dobbies over the years is looking for a new grotto.  

Jack Connor is considered to be among the best Santas in the business and was much sought after throughout the garden centre’s festivities.  

Families would even contact grotto organisers before booking their visits to find out when he was on duty.  

Jack also perfected his craft over the years as the Santa for the Wisbech Lions Club and other good causes.  

But now Dobbies has announced it was closing its branch in King's Lynn, Jack is available for other work this Christmas. 

Families have even tracked him down on social media to find out where he will be this year. 

Santa Jack has been working at Dobbies in King's Lynn for around 10 yearsSanta Jack has been working at Dobbies in King's Lynn for around 10 years (Image: Supplied by Jack Connor) He said: “I’ve managed to get bits and pieces lined up, but nothing like the sort of work I used to get at Dobbies.  

“I’m booked for a breakfast with Santa at the Brothers in Arms pub in Walpole St Andrews and another at The Gatehouse pub close to the Southgates Roundabout in King’s Lynn.  

“I also have school and charity bookings. But I really need a grotto for a few days to be able to see all the children that have been in touch.  

“If anyone can help, I would be so grateful.”  

Jack says a good Santa not only needs to be good with children, but he also has to be ready to think on his feet when difficult questions arise.

And Santa Jack has had many tricky customers in his time... 

He once had a non-believing older brother ask in the grotto: “When is Santa going to die?” 

Jack joked: “I felt like saying ‘Perhaps on Christmas Eve and then you won’t get any presents my dear boy...’  

“But I really said ‘The magic of Christmas lives in children’s hearts, and I have been given the magical power to live forever’.” 

On a different occasion during a Santa sleigh organised by the Wisbech Lions Club, Jack had another boy ask: “What languages can you speak?”  

Jack replied: “Because Christmas is magic, I can speak all languages! And because of magic, I speak the language of the country I am standing in at the time...”  

Dobbies in King's Lynn is among the branches closing soon.Dobbies in King's Lynn is among the branches closing soon. (Image: Google Street View) The gifts he has been asked for range from pets to the latest toys, but his heart always melts when children say they just want their families to be happy at Christmas time.  

Also Santa’s sleigh doesn’t transport live animals – so youngsters are always urged to rethink any pet requests.  

Santa Jack, who now lives in Holbeach, also comes with his own outfits.  

He invested in a third this year, has robust black boots and a large black leather belt complete with a stunning buckle. Of course, his beard is the real deal. 

Reflecting on his years in the role, he said: “I get so much pleasure and joy from being Santa. 

“It’s lovely when you see an entire family absorbed in the experience. I get to see children soak up the magic and the adults take in those special moments with them.  

“It’s about making memories and putting smiles on everyone’s faces – that's what it’s all about.” 

He then joked: “It has taken me 60 years to find something I’m good at in life... and little did I know it was lying to kids! Ho ho ho...”  

If you can offer Santa Jack a grotto, contact him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jack.connor3