School helps to mark the start of the Yuletide festivities

SANTA and his merry elves brought some North Pole magic to Carmel College for an annual celebration marking the start of the Yuletide festivities.

The hall was transformed into a Christmas grotto as Santa handed out presents to about 60 children of staff from the Carmel Education Trust.

Food, fun and festive music offered a taste of things to come to the children and their parents.

Director of Sixth Form Tim Madeley said: “We had about 100 sixth formers volunteering to be elves, sixth form administrator Jenny Bartle helped organise the event, while Pam Walls created a superb grotto.”

Trust Chief Executive Maura Regan added: “Our staff work incredibly hard all year so we were delighted to kick off the festivities with this annual event which is enjoyed by their children and our students who help stage it.”