BIG-hearted staff at a Greenock pub are bringing the magic of Christmas to children with additional support needs.

The thoughtful team at Nicolson's Bar and Kitchen have organised a special breakfast with Santa for kids who have sensory processing disorders including autism and Asperger's.

As Christmas can be particularly overwhelming for affected children the staff are aiming to make the festive event as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

Judy Arbuckle, 28, director of operations at the pub, said: "There will be no lights, no music and not a lot of staff.

"Even Santa will be less overwhelming as he will be in a grotto and will not be an imposing figure that might upset them.

"It will be their choice if they want to see Santa.

"There will also be a quiet area for the kids to sit with ear defenders if anything gets too much.

"It will be a buffet breakfast so the kids don't have to sit down.

"The idea is to make it as chilled as possible and the whole team have really pulled together."

Michael Frizzel, 30, chief executive of the family friendly pub, said his brother Daniel Anderson, 21, has Asperger's so he has an understanding of some of the challenges parents can face and the importance of inclusion.

Michael said: "Growing up, despite being quite close to it, I struggled to understand and be empathetic towards those who had additional needs and challenges linked to things like autism and Asperger's.

"It’s only now as an adult with a son of my own that I have begun to understand it and the things that can be done to make things easier and more accessible for people with additional needs."

Michael, who is dad to five-year-old Charlie, hopes to inspire other venues to look at ways to become

He added: "I’m immensely proud of the guys running Nicolson's day to day for coming up with this ide.

"They want to ensure the Christmas activities we are running are accessible to all families in Inverclyde.

"We will endeavour to do more to ensure we are always inclusive and support local organisations who do so much for children and young adults in this area with additional support needs.

"A special mention must go to Judy Arbuckle and my brother Daniel who helped shape the idea."

The special breakfast with Santa is on Sunday December 22 with hour-long sessions running from 10am and 11.15am.

The staff at Nicolson's are reserving tickets for the event and will contact families to find out if their child has any specific needs.

To book phone 321732 or go to the Nicolson's Facebook page.