A surprise visitor greeted school children as they enjoyed a lesson in the woods.

The Chrishall Primary School pupils encountered Father Christmas during a forest school session, which saw classes from the school embracing the great outdoors by visiting woodland in the village last week.

A spokesman for the school explained: “Our reception children became curious whilst collecting wood for their camp fire as they heard the sound of some distant ringing bells.

“When they looked closer they suspected it could possibly be Father Christmas. The group stood in awe as they waited in anticipation for him to trek through the woods towards them. To their delight, the visitor really was Father Christmas.”

Santa joined the children for a camp fire and a rendition of Jingle Bells.

“Father Christmas gave each of the children a special gift and, in return, the children invited him to join them for toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate,” said the spokesman.

“One little girl was delighted to have seen him as she told him that every year he visits, but she never manages to see him as she is always asleep.”