THE sound of sleigh bells will lead people into a magical winter wonderland and Christmas market.

Acorn Village, a charity for adults with learning disabilities, is being transformed into winter wonderland in a bid to raise fund to improve the lives of its residents.

The charity, in Clacton Road, Mistley, is holding the festive event between 10am and 4pm tomorrow.

This year’s theme will be Beauty and the Beast and there will be a number of attractions, from the chance to visit Santa’s grotto to exploring the snowy wonderland made by Acorn Village residents.

There will also be themed face painting, a coffee shop and lots of stalls for visitors to browse around or start their Christmas shopping.

This year the charity is also opening Mistley Hall for a special Christmas flower display from the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies.

Kate Williams, Acorn Village spokeswoman, said: “The event is going to be bigger than ever before as this year we have a range of outdoor stalls.

“We also have a mini steam engine which will be giving residents rides, and we have surprises in store.”

She said they charity’s next project is for a new kitchen at Mistley Wood House for visually impaired adults with learning disabilities.

She said: “This specialised kitchen will be designed to empower our residents enabling them to be as independent in their day-to-day life as possible.

“The cost of the kitchen and additional specialised equipment is approximately £12,000.

“Funds raised at the Christmas market and Winter Wonderland will be put towards the project.”