John Bentley hosted a festive Family Learning Day for families last Saturday, with over 200 people attending to make Christmas chocolate and decorations.

The school has been running the days as part of its extended services provision for the last four years, with visitors learning about arts and crafts, cooking and outdoor pursuits.

In the most recent Learning Day, families took part in preparing for the traditional lantern parade, due to take place this Saturday.

Headteacher Gordon Trafford said: “I am delighted with this strong tradition of family learning at the school. It shows our commitment, once again, to working in Calne, with Calne, for Calne.”

The extended services provision for the school aims to include people from throughout the community, and recently received an Outstanding grade from OFSTED inspectors.

Extended services co-ordinator Jacqui Radford said: “It was a brilliant and extremely positive day.

“We have strong ties with all the local schools and various community groups and we try to be as involved in the town as possible.

“For this learning day, we asked people to help construct props and sets for our Winter Festival piece, Neverland, which will be performed in Marden House.

“It gives everyone a chance to get involved and see something they have helped to create on display.”

There are around three Family Learning Days at the school every year, for pupils from the town’s primary schools and their families.