Festive season comes early to Teesside academy

SIX hundred families got into the spirit of Christmas as an academy was transformed into a winter wonderland.

Dozens of local craftspeople brought a festive feel to The King’s Academy, in Coulby Newham, when it opened its doors to the community.

Special attractions including a skating rink, festive donkey rides and a photo booth where families could dress up in a host of Christmas disguises.

Carey Brownless, an assistant vice principal at the academy who led the organising team, said: “It was a really lovely day. Six hundred adults paid admission and they brought children and teenagers, so we estimate that around 2,000 people came, which we were delighted with.

“This is the first time we have held a winter event and it paves the way for an even bigger winter wonderland next year.”