A GROUP of children from Rainbow Playgroup in Westbury were given an early Christmas treat after Santa visited them at CS Bowyer to drop off a bag of goodies.

The play group, which meets at the building in Church Lane, were offered the opportunity by the funeral directors to decorate its branch window for Christmas. To thank the children for doing such a wonderful job, CS Bowyer decided to arrange for a special guest to meet the children at the branch.

Sue Partner, 57, funeral arranger at the directors in Maristow Street, Westbury, said: “The children and staff came down to decorate the window as part of a competition, we didn’t come first place but we were given a certificate by the mayor which was lovely. To say thank you we asked Father Christmas to come to the branch and surprise the children.

“Father Christmas then presented the children with selection boxes, their faces were a picture. I was stood behind them but Santa said their eyes were very wide and their mouths dropped when they saw him come in.”

As well as the members of staff from the Westbury premises of CS Bowyer, one of the funeral directors from Bradford on Avon also paid a visit to thank the children.

“Denise Hamlin from the Bradford on Avon branch came over to say thank you and show her support which was lovely. Since the children met Santa I have also been to the playgroup’s nativity which was wonderful,” added Mrs Partner.