SANTA'S gift for sign language is set entertain children at a popular shopping centre.

Three year's ago he went viral on social media after he touched hearts around the world when a video of his sign language communication with three-year-old Mali Williams-Cody was posted online.

When mum Suzanne explained to Santa that Mali had learning and communication difficulties, he simply asked “Can she sign at all?"

Santa started talking to Mali in sign language, and the look of delight as she realised they had a special connection was a magic moment.

Mali’s mum Suzanne Williams was left teary-eyed when she saw her daughter telling Santa what she wanted for Christmas when they visited Middlesbrough's Cleveland Centre.

 

‘Signing Santa’ chats to Mali Williams-Cody via sign language three years ago

Cleveland Centre manager Graeme Skillen said: “There have been more wonderful examples of the spell-binding magic Signing Santa has over the children who come along to see him.

“Many visitors – children and adults - believe this is the real Santa and there’s no doubt there’s a touch of magic about him.

“After the media exposure he received in the past, our special Santa received offers from shopping centres across the UK but he has a real affinity with Cleveland Centre and our Teesside shoppers.”

Santa will be on hand on Newton Mall from midday to 3pm today (Saturday) and again on the final Saturday before Christmas.

Meeting Santa is free of charge, though a collection will be made for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice each day.