Wolborough CofE School and a committed group of parents helped to organise and promote a community Father Christmas event after realising how expensive it can be to see him.

In all 119 children visited Father Christmas in the six hours the school ran the event.

Headteacher Ms Hoare was there all day and was overwhelmed with the number of school and other community families that attended. 

‘We wanted all children to be able to see him,’ said a spokesperson.

‘We had donations from businesses of teddy bears and we had colouring books printed and a grandparent kindly donated all the chocolates for the event.

‘On the day parents/carers we’re treated to a tea coffee and homemade biscuits made by another grandparent while the children drew pictures and wrote letters for Father Christmas. 

‘All with Christmas music playing – it was a lovely festive atmosphere.

‘Then the children had a chance to visit Father Christmas and there was great excitement in the grotto as Father Christmas checked his list and gave out presents. 

‘There were many grateful parents who thought Father Christmas did an amazing job and the children were very very excited coming back up to the hall with their bag of gifts and chocolates.

‘Thank you to all those people who made the event possible.’

One parent later wrote on her Facebook page: ‘Our children loved visiting Father Christmas today, an experience we couldn’t afford for our three but you made it magical and our children are now trying to stay on the good list – a great Father Christmas.’