CHRISTMAS has come early to Westwood with Iford School with a number of festive events having already taken place over the first week of December.

Kicking off with an advent assembly on December 1, head of Westwood with Iford Ian Rockey decided to carry on the Christmas celebrations by hosting a festive storytelling evening for the children and parents to enjoy later that evening.

“It was something that was planned by the Friends of Westwood School, the parent and teacher association, and was discussed at the beginning of the year. It was a lovely way to start the festive season with the kids,” Mr Rockey said.

“It started at 5.45pm when the kids arrived in their pyjamas and comfy clothes, some of them brining their stuffed toys, and their parents as well. I read Christmas stories for half an hour and then we had a break for hot chocolate with marshmallows.”

Up to two thirds of the pupils from Westwood with Iford stayed to enjoy a selection of Christmas stories until 7pm. On Saturday (December 3) the school also hosted a Christmas fair for the local community to enjoy. Organised by the PTA, the fair raised £1,300 for Westwood with Iford.

“On the Saturday we had our fair which saw over 200 people attend. We had Santa in his grotto as well as local crafts, games and cakes. Our school radio team broadcasted so the show was playing inside the fair so everyone could listen. As always the community came out in force to support the school. We are very grateful to our Friends of Westwood School for working so hard to raise so much money for the school. They are an amazing part of our community,” Mr Rockey added.