A CHARITY Christmas duo who feared they would be ho-ho-homeless have been saved after they were offered space for a grotto at the last minute.

Steve Waters, 44, and Shirley Painter, 53, dress up as Father Christmas and his wife every year, to provide festive photos for children.

The pair usually sit on the benches in St Martin’s Square, Basildon, but feared they would have to cancel because of bad weather predicted for this weekend. Basildon Market has now offered them a stall for free.

Mr Waters said: “We are delighted they have offered to give us a hand.”

They pair ask for small donations and raised over £2,500 for Help for Heroes last year.

They have chosen to raise money in aid of the National Blind Children’s Society and the Burned Children’s Club this year, after a touching encounter with a blind child.

Mr Waters said: “This beautiful blind boy came to visit us and when he reached out and touched my beard, he had such a happy face. It was such a touching moment we felt we had to support a children’s charity.”

Mr and Mrs Christmas will be appearing across Basildon, Pitsea, Wickford and Billericay from this weekend until December 21.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ MrFatherChristmas