PUPILS at Charmouth Primary School have been getting into the Christmas spirit with a packed programme of festive fun.

The celebrations kicked off when the school held its annual Christmas Bazaar and managed to raise more than £1,700.

Stalls were manned by Charmouth Chocolate Shop, Primary Colours, Alice’s Bear Shop and by artist Peter Bagley.

There were also fun, games and activities for the children to get involved in, including a magical Santa’s grotto and face painting, plus a raffle and tombola, to cap one of the best ever bazaars the school has hosted.

On Monday, the children attended school in their own party clothes, and spent the morning meeting the Multi-Story Theatre Company, who has performed their play ‘The Firefly’ for them.

After the performances, all of the classes from reception to Year 6 took part in a question and answer session with the actors, and one of the Year 4 children later told staff: “The show was amazing, with a really interesting story.”

After the theatre madness in the morning, the classes held their own Christmas parties, with games taking place both inside and outside the classroom, as well as party food.

Children in reception and Year 1 saved the best until last, as Father Christmas made a special visit to the classes to talk to the children and to hand out some presents.

Headteacher Mrs Gillian Morris, pictured right, said: “The children have had a very exciting week leading up to the end of term. As part of the Christmas festivities, they have had the opportunity to see a live theatre company, have class Christmas parties and a school Christmas lunch with all their friends, staff and governors.

“The end of term will culminate in a Christmas Carol service and Nativity where parents and the local community are invited to come along.”

Yesterday the children hosted a Christmas lunch with families, staff and school governors all attending.

The school nativity was also held today at the school, with each class making a contribution to the service having rehearsed for a number of weeks, with some of the children even singing in French at the play, which was performed by the reception class.

A collection was held, with the proceeds being donated to the Weldmar Trust, and representatives on a new school council were also announced.