Pupils at the Chalet School have got a busy week ahead of them.

The special school in Liden, for children with complex learning difficulties, is set to benefit from the Evening Advertiser's Christmas Appeal this year.

But at the moment all its attention is focused on last minute preparations for the school nativity play, to be performed for parents on Monday and Tuesday.

On Wednesday the school's 27 pupils, aged three to nine, will enjoy their Christmas meal and a visit to an indoor play area.

On Thursday, Santa will be dropping in to the school party to watch the children play party games.

And on Friday, the last day of term, parents will be invited to join pupils and staff to sing carols around the Christmas tree.

This is the second Christmas that Chalet has been at its new premises in Liden Drive, having moved from Queens Drive in September 2002.

But it is the first year the school has gone through the festive period without its long-serving former headteacher, Mary Topping, who died of cancer in October this year.

Acting headteacher Kathy Bryan said Mrs Topping would be in the minds of many at the school this Christmas.

"Mary used to sing in the Highworth choir and when we sing the Christmas carols next week people will be thinking of her, and the future of Chalet," she said.

The school is one of 11 worthy causes the Advertiser is supporting in its appeal, which aims to raise £5,000 over the Christmas period.

In the past year the school has gained a £73,000-play area, with climbing frames, rockers and a large bed swing.

It has also benefited from the attentions of community arts group No Added Sugar, which has helped the children make collages for classroom walls.

There are also plans to create a three-dimensional rainbow sculpture to be installed outside the school.

Last year the Advertiser's Christmas Appeal helped pay for presents for the pupils, and the school said it was pleased to be involved again.

HOW TO DONATE TO THE APPEAL.

To donate money to our Christmas appeal you can drop in to any branch of Nationwide and quote Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal Account number 0435/703528821

Collection boxes have also been placed in the following locations:

Sainsbury's in Bridgemead

Sainsbury's in Stratton St Margaret.

Tesco in The Parade, Swindon

Havelock News in Havelock Street, Swindon.

Baileys News in Cheney Manor and in High Street, Wootton Bassett.

Dillons, in Newburgh Place, Highworth.

Grange Drive News, in Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret.

Spar shop in Purton.

Rodbourne Mini Market, in Rodbourne Road, Rodbourne Cheney.