SHERSTON School began the festive season in high spirits on Saturday with a Christmas fair to raise funds for sports equipment.

More than 200 adults and children enjoyed the event, despite the threat of gloomy weather.

Teaching assistant, Suzanne Price, said: "It was a wonderful, happy day. The atmosphere was lovely and it was a good start to the Christmas season. There was lots for children to see and it was a perfect opportunity for parents to do some Christmas shopping.

"There were cake, craft and book stalls, Christmas trees, decorations, plants, jewellery, toys and lots of other goodies to fill Christmas stockings," she said.

Visitors were also treated to a performance by the school's junior choir, conducted by Sherston musician, Mary Clements.

Father Christmas also arrived at the school to hand out presents to the children.

The event raised £350 which will be used to buy new netball posts and nets, a hockey set and an indoors athletics kit.

The school is presenting an infants' nativity play next Thursday at 2pm, and will be raising funds for Help the Aged on December 18, when teachers, pupils and parents go carol singing in the village.