Festive breakfast raises £170 for Hilmarton pre-school (From This Is Wiltshire)

Thirty-four youngsters at Hilmarton Pre-school enjoyed a breakfast served by Santa’s helpers before Christmas.

Santa paid the children a special morning visit and although it was only 7.45am they were wide awake with excitement.

This is the first time the event, organised by the parent committee, has been held and it raised funds for equipment, learning resources and toys.

The children, aged between two-and-a-half and four-years-old were joined by children from year five and six at Hilmarton Primary School.

They were greeted by Santa’s helpers, two elves and two Miss Santas, and then Santa spoke to the children one by one.

These helpers were on hand to serve breakfast, most of which was donated by Sainsbury’s to help increase fundraising profits.

Children also decorated hand-made baubles to go on the pre-school’s Christmas tree and the child who designed Santa’s favourite bauble won a prize.

Before he left one of Santa’s elves read a story to all the children and each child was given a gift bag with a gingerbread biscuit tree, some magic reindeer dust, a framed photograph of themselves with Santa and a personalised letter from him.

Parent and fundraising co-ordinator Renee Pardoe said all those involved in the event were volunteers, parents and staff.

She said “We had 34 children attend the morning before their school day and the feedback so far was that it was a hit.

"Parents and children alike thought it was a fantastic way to start the day, and on top of this we raised around £170 for the pre-school.”