Grinch on special visit to Derwent Arms pub in Norton

Families will have the chance to meet the green cartoon character, created by Dr Seuss, at the Derwent Arms, in Church Street, on Sunday (December 1) between 1pm and 3pm or 3pm and 5pm.

They can pose for photographs with him – and even leave with a present.

Ryan Swain is playing the character and said he hopes to bring “as much festive cheers and sneers to people’s lives” as he can.

"I am a huge fan of Jim Carrey and have always been compared to a younger version of him since I was child, I can impersonate him well and do all of his mannerisms and expressions as they are with me on a day-to-day basis as it is,” the entertainer said.

Ryan Swain as the Grinch (Image: Supplied) He added that he is “looking forward” to the event in his hometown and working with Charlie and Simon Barber-Peat, who took over the Derwent Arms earlier this year.

“Those guys have made the pub into an entertainment hub for the town which is fantastic to see, and I fully support their efforts for that,” Ryan said.

• Meet the new landlords taking the reins of a popular Norton pub

Charlie and Simon, in a joint statement, said they are “thrilled to be working with Ryan to bring some festive cheer to the pub”.

“Since we took over in April, we have had nothing but positive comments of feedback with how we are running things and the events we are putting on and therefore we want to go above and beyond to bring something a little different to each season,” they said.

• Tickets can be bought behind the bar for £12 per ticket or £50 for a family ticket (up to five people).