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<\/a><\/p>\nSanta\u2019s scientists landed at the centre to set up their free Laughter Laboratory and invite St Helens youngsters to enjoy some unique festive fun for free.<\/p>\n
The children, aged three to eight, \u00a0donned white coats and goggles to put a range of toys and games to the test, then logged the chuckle factor to chart which toy came out tops.<\/p>\n
The first sessions were held on Saturday and Sunday, with more toy tests lined up for next weekend at the shopping centre, which is experiencing one of its busiest times of year.<\/p>\n Church Square Shopping Centre Manager Steven Brogan said: \u201cWe wanted to bring back the fun for Christmas, so we invited Santa to send his top boffins down from the North Pole to St Helens.<\/p>\n \u201cThe children loved having the chance to play with the toys and try them out for free while their parents were able to catch up on some Christmas shopping.<\/p>\n \u201cWe took the opportunity of having an empty shop unit – \u00a0the former Dolland and Aitchson Opticians \u2013 which we\u2019ve transformed \u00a0into the Laughter Laboratory. It was great to hear all the laughs coming from there this weekend \u2013 the youngsters obviously had a great time.<\/p>\n \u201cThe results from the Chart of Chuckles this weekend and next weekend will go back to Santa\u2019s Fun Factory so he knows exactly what to pack in his sack as he flies off on Christmas Eve in his sleigh to bring presents to the children of St Helens.\u201d<\/p>\n The Laughter Laboratory \u2013 which is free for youngsters – \u00a0will be running again on Saturday December 14 from 11am-4pm, and Sunday\u00a0 December 15 from noon to 4pm.<\/p>\n Also making an appearance at the weekend workshops, and helping youngsters have festive fun, was Shopper Whopper.<\/p>\n He\u2019s the official mascot of Church Square Shopping Centre\u2019s children\u2019s club, with free fun for youngsters aged three to eight. Members receive special offers, advance notice of events, VIP invites to character appearances and discounts at selected shops at the shopping centre.<\/p>\n Church Square Shopping Centre\u00a0 is open daily and home to a range of big name stores –\u00a0 such as River Island, BHS, Boots and Superdrug –\u00a0\u00a0 along with independent retailers plus the busy St Mary\u2019s Market. Details on what\u2019s happening at the centre at www.churchsquaresthelens.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n