SEASONAL shoppers were serenaded by a Christmas choir at a primary school’s festive fair.
A host of holiday bargain hunters flocked to West Park Academy, Darlington, as it opened its doors for its annual Christmas market.
Pupils, parents, carers and staff, filled their stockings with bespoke gifts from over 15 small trader stalls at the event organised by former school parent governor Caroline Stokle.
Caroline said: “Last year’s Christmas Fair was such a success that we decided to make it even bigger and better this year.
“I used to run my own small business and have lots of contacts so I thought that it would be a great way to help support local traders and help the academy at the same time.
“There is everything on offer from hand made gifts, old fashioned sweets, aromatherapy candles, soft home furnishings, scarves, jewellery boxes and trinkets and with the choir singing and hot chocolate with marshmallows on sale it really is the perfect start to Christmas.”
Stall holders, including Temple Spa, Usborne Books, Hazy Daisy, Sweet Memories, Letter Tile Designs, Scentsy, Cards and Gifts with Nic, Body Shop, Sewing by Julie Swain and Maison Royale, each donated £10 for a table and gave a raffle prize with proceeds donated to West Park Academy’s outdoor learning areas fund.
Local company Tea with Alice provided refreshments and home baked goods for the event with a percentage of their profits also donated to the school.
West Park Academy principal Samantha Hirst said: “The Christmas fair is a very popular event in the academy’s calendar and it’s wonderful to see so many people here tonight helping to support our school.
“All the donations we receive from the event will go towards helping expand our forest school provision including developing a meadow area, building bird boxes, digging a fire pit and planting an orchard, which will all greatly enhance our children’s outdoor learning.”