A 10FT tall illuminated reindeer is to be put up at Southend’s Royals shopping centre in in the run-up to Christmas.

The centre, in Southend High Street, will be using the display as the centrepiece for its efforts to raise money for the NET Patient Foundation and the Southend Hospital Keyhole Cancer Appeal.

Events planned in the coming weeks include a visit by the children’s book character Ryan the Lion to the centre for Christmas lights switch-on on November 14 and the chance to be pictured with royal lookalikes on December 5 between 1pm and 3pm.

Shoppers can also enjoy carolsinging on November 28 between 1pm and 2pm.

Royals manager DawnJeakings said “We’ve got a reallyexciting line up this festive season, with lots of free fun for people of all ages to enjoy.“We are also raising money for two really fantastic charities at the same time.”

For more information visit royalsshoppingcentre.co.uk, search for the Royals Facebook page, or follow @Royalsshopping onTwitter.