CHRISTMAS games were judged for their fun factor by enthusiastic young toy testers tried them out in a laughter lab at the Church Square Shopping Centre.

Children aged from three to eight put on white coats and goggles to see find out which toy would top the St Helens chuckle chart.

Shopping Centre manager Steven Brogan explained: “We wanted to bring back the fun for Christmas, so we invited Santa to send his top boffins.

“The 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.

“We transformed a shop unit into the Laughter Laboratory and the youngsters obviously had a great time.

“The results from the Chart of Chuckles this weekend and next weekend will go back to Santa’s Fun Factory so he knows exactly what to pack in his sack on Christmas Eve to bring presents to the children of St Helens.”

The Laughter Laboratory will be open again this coming Saturday (11am to 4pm) and Sunday (noon to 4pm), December 14 and 15.

The Church Square Centre’s children’s club is open to three to eight year olds and members receive special offers, advance notice of events, invitations to VIP appearances and discounts at selected shops plus involvement in fun times led by mascot Shopper Whopper. Church Square Shopping Centre is home to a range of big name outlets such such as River Island, BHS, Boots and Superdrug alongside independent retailers plus the busy St Mary’s Market. See what’s on at www.churchsquaresthelens.co.uk