EVEN The Grinch himself couldn't spoil the festive fun for a Barrow school community which is showing Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Greengate Junior School has so many festive events happening that its 'Save the Children' Christmas Jumper Day was held at the start of the month to coincide with the children's festive lunch.

Senior teacher Neil Irving dressed up as The Grinch, much to the delight of the children. Mr Irving also served up the Christmas lunches as the Dr Seuss character. The day raised £170 for the charity.

Greengate Christmas fair had super support from the school family and the local community, with more than 20 businesses getting behind the event. The children wrote handwritten thank you letters to all the businesses.

Dan Hayes, a local DJ, took on the role of Santa, as one of his 17 challenges for 2017 to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association charity. Mr Hayes raised almost £200 for his charity from a collection at the fair. The whole event raised £960 for school funds.

This week Greengate pupils staged four performances of the Christmas Production 'Wind in the Greengate Willows'. Every performance was packed out and the 120-strong cast performed brilliantly. Every child had a speaking part, including children who are from Turkey, Romania and Greece.The school donated the collection and raffle money, of £165, from the first night to Mr Hayes for his charity fundraising.

Greengate entered a tree once again in Dalton Christmas Tree Festival, this was decorated by Mrs Jo-Anne Gay and her class. Also, Alison Curwen from POSH flowers ran a Christmas wreath making workshop for 20 members of Greengate staff, and the results were beautiful.

Next week the school stages its nativity and Christingle service for families and the local community.

Paula Hillman, deputy head at Greengate Junior School, said: "We are so busy with Christmas events. The support from parents and the local community has been fantastic."