CHRISTMAS wouldn’t be Christmas without Smithills School spreading a little festive cheer.

And although Covid has once again meant the cancellation of the traditional Christmas bash the school throws for its community, the school was determined to celebrate the season of goodwill with local residents.

The school created more than 70 gift bags to deliver them to those living in the area.

Young people helped make them up before site manager Dave Appleton delivered the festive goodies.

Talented young people designed mince pie box sleeves, Christmas cards and decorations. The finance team, help from the school’s examination officers filled the bags.

The school design and media team put together a collage of pictures of the pupils working on the gift bags printed them off, so the community could see the festivities and hard work going on to make the bags possible.

School business manager Alice Lees said: “Iwould like to say a massive thank-you to all the staff and pupils for all their hard work in making this possible. I know this will help make the Smithills Communities Christmas that extra bit special”.

Mr Appleton added: “It’s so nice to see our staff and pupils at Smithills coming together in making Christmas special for our elderly community members. Every member of the community has been so grateful in receiving the Christmas gift bag and has asked me to pass on their best wishes to the School over the Christmas period.”

Adassa Beaufort- Harwood, Year 11, student ambassador leader, said: “I am so proud to call myself a Smithills pupil, what we all have done for the community is amazing especially during the pandemic.”

Francine Godfrey, who received a Christmas bags, said, “This is absolutely fantastic and has made my Christmas."

And Paul Coote, who also received a gift, added: “My wife and I would like to thank everybody at the school for the wonderful surprise. It is a very nice gesture on behalf of the school to think about us."