It was a case of Santa Paws, rather than Santa Claus, when canine companions got the chance to get festive at The Forum.

Eastern Daily Press: Santa's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Picture: Ian BurtSanta's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

A special Santa's Grotto for Dogs was created outside the Norwich landmark on Saturday.

And that meant four-legged friends and their owners were able to meet the doggy version of Father Christmas and to have their photographs taken with the red-suited hound.

Plenty of pet owners embraced the seasonal spirit, with dogs, of all shapes and sizes, dressed up in Christmassy costumes of their own for their visit to the grotto.

There was no charge for the visit, but owners were invited to make a donation to RSPCA Norwich and Mid Norfolk branch, who helped to arrange the event.

Eastern Daily Press: Santa's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Picture: Ian BurtSanta's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

The RPSCA branch also offered a Christmas tombola, featuring festive gifts for friends and family - be they two legged or four legged.

Pets As Therapy, which provides a visiting service where animals visit people in hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes and special needs schools, was also at the event.

Tammy Clarke, retail development manager for the RSPCA Norwich and Mid Norfolk branch, said: 'It's gone really well. This is the fourth year that we've done it.

'There's been some fantastic Christmas costumes on the dogs. People have really entered into the Christmas spirit.

Eastern Daily Press: Santa's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Pictured with Brandy are Clara Webster (4) and Penny Clarke. Picture: Ian BurtSanta's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Pictured with Brandy are Clara Webster (4) and Penny Clarke. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

'For us, it's about raising awareness and getting some donations. We have had some people volunteering to do home visits and people wanting to adopt cats.

'Animals are doing what they always do, which is to bring people together. There have been people having their photograph taken who haven't even got pets with them!

'We'd like to thank The Forum for inviting us to be part of this.'

The RSPCA branch is appealing for more volunteers for home visits, to work in charity shops and to be trustees. Anyone interested should visit www.rspcanorwich.org.uk or call 0303 0401565.

Eastern Daily Press: Santa's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Pictured with Santa Woof Woof is Troy. Picture: Ian BurtSanta's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Pictured with Santa Woof Woof is Troy. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Santa's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Picture: Ian BurtSanta's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Santa's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Picture: Ian BurtSanta's Grotto at The Forum in Norwich. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)