Santa Claws is back in town just in time for Manchester Museum’s annual Christmas gift appeal.

Their beloved Tyrannosaurus rex, Stan, is putting on his custom-made Santa hat once again to deliver festive gifts to people experiencing homelessness and poverty across Manchester.

Stan’s Secret Santa runs from Tuesday 3 December to Sunday 8 December and the Museum will be collecting gifts and food to donate to Manchester-based charities Barnabus and Mustard Tree.

They would be especially grateful for donations of new, non-perishable Christmas food items, including chocolate selection boxes, biscuits and sweets, as well as items of clothing. Drop in during opening hours on any day during the appeal to deliver donations to Stan and his team of elves.

You can also immerse yourself in the sounds of the season during an evening of music on Wednesday 4 December, when there will be a singalong with Ordsall Acappella Singers and a joyous Christmas concert from young students of music charity Olympias Music Foundation.